ICC Confirms Crimes Against Humanity Charges Against Duterte, Trial Set for November

(WS News) – The International Criminal Court has confirmed all charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, sending him to trial for crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s deadly “war on drugs,” with the opening of proceedings now scheduled for November 30.

A pre-trial panel of three judges unanimously found substantial grounds to believe that Duterte, 81, was criminally responsible for three counts of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, committed between November 2011 and March 2019, first as mayor of Davao City and later as president. Judges said Duterte bore responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator, and for ordering, inducing, or aiding and abetting the killings, which prosecutors say formed part of a widespread and systematic campaign against a civilian population in the Philippines.

Duterte, who as president repeatedly instructed police to “kill, kill, kill” drug suspects who resisted arrest, was surrendered to the ICC in March 2025 after his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., authorized his arrest in Manila following a bitter political falling-out between the two families. Estimates of the death toll from the drug war vary widely, from roughly 6,200 reported by Philippine police to as many as 30,000 cited by human rights organizations. Duterte’s legal team has argued he is not mentally fit to follow the proceedings, though a panel of independent medical experts found him fit to take part in pre-trial hearings.

Rights groups have hailed the confirmation of charges as a milestone for accountability. Ritz Lee Santos III, Philippine director of Amnesty International, called it a “historic moment” that sends a clear message that those responsible for widespread and systematic killings will eventually face trial. It remains unclear whether Duterte will personally attend the proceedings once his trial begins later this year.