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Former President Rodrigo Duterte Charged With Crimes Against Humanity By ICC Prosecutor
Photo credit: Congress PH
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor has formally charged former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte with crimes against humanity, a significant development in the long-running saga surrounding his controversial "war on drugs." The charges, outlined in a court document signed by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, allege that Duterte is responsible for the deaths of 78 individuals between 2013 and 2018.
The Heart of the Charges
The indictment focuses on three specific counts of murder as a crime against humanity. The first count relates to 19 alleged murders that took place in Davao City between 2013 and 2016, during Duterte's time as mayor. The court document alleges these killings were carried out by the Davao City police and non-police hitmen, who were part of the infamous Davao Death Squad (DDS).
The second count points to 14 alleged murders of "High-Value Targets" across the Philippines from 2016 to 2017. These charges stem from the early days of his presidency, suggesting a continuation of the same tactics on a national scale. Finally, the third count covers the alleged murder and attempted murder of 45 victims during so-called "barangay clearance operations" between 2016 and 2018.
A Widespread and Systemic Attack
The ICC's prosecution contends that while these 78 victims are the basis for the formal charges, the actual number of people affected by the killings is "significantly greater." The document describes the "war on drugs" as a widespread and systemic attack, suggesting a coordinated effort rather than isolated incidents.
According to the ICC, during his time as president, the alleged killings were carried out by a "National Network" predominantly made up of law enforcement personnel and non-police assets under their direction. The charges against Duterte don't just allege he was directly involved, but also that he is liable for the crimes through "indirect co-perpetration, ordering and inducing, and aiding and abetting."
This development marks a new and critical phase in the international legal scrutiny of the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign. As the ICC's proceedings move forward, the world will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds.
The Heart of the Charges
The indictment focuses on three specific counts of murder as a crime against humanity. The first count relates to 19 alleged murders that took place in Davao City between 2013 and 2016, during Duterte's time as mayor. The court document alleges these killings were carried out by the Davao City police and non-police hitmen, who were part of the infamous Davao Death Squad (DDS).
The second count points to 14 alleged murders of "High-Value Targets" across the Philippines from 2016 to 2017. These charges stem from the early days of his presidency, suggesting a continuation of the same tactics on a national scale. Finally, the third count covers the alleged murder and attempted murder of 45 victims during so-called "barangay clearance operations" between 2016 and 2018.
A Widespread and Systemic Attack
The ICC's prosecution contends that while these 78 victims are the basis for the formal charges, the actual number of people affected by the killings is "significantly greater." The document describes the "war on drugs" as a widespread and systemic attack, suggesting a coordinated effort rather than isolated incidents.
According to the ICC, during his time as president, the alleged killings were carried out by a "National Network" predominantly made up of law enforcement personnel and non-police assets under their direction. The charges against Duterte don't just allege he was directly involved, but also that he is liable for the crimes through "indirect co-perpetration, ordering and inducing, and aiding and abetting."
This development marks a new and critical phase in the international legal scrutiny of the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign. As the ICC's proceedings move forward, the world will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds.
Sep 23, 2025
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