International Criminal Court clears path for trial of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte

The Hague: Judges at the International Criminal Court have confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, paving the way for his trial over alleged killings linked to his anti-drug campaign.

A three-judge panel ruled there are “substantial grounds” to believe Duterte was responsible for dozens of murders, both during his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as president from 2016 to 2022. The court stated that he developed and implemented a policy aimed at “neutralising” suspected criminals.

Duterte, 81, was arrested in the Philippines last year and transferred to The Hague, where the ICC is based. He has denied all allegations. Judges have also confirmed that he is fit to stand trial, although a date for proceedings has not yet been announced.

Prosecutors allege that police officers and hit squads carried out killings under Duterte’s direction, often incentivised by money or coercion. Estimates of the death toll during his presidency vary widely, ranging from over 6,000 reported by police to as many as 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.

The ICC described the ruling as a significant step toward accountability. However, Duterte’s legal team criticised the decision, arguing it relies on unverified testimonies from self-confessed perpetrators.

The development has been welcomed by families of victims and human rights organisations, who see the trial as a chance for justice after years of alleged abuses during the anti-drug crackdown.

Earlier, the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, a move widely seen by activists as an attempt to avoid international scrutiny. However, the court has maintained jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.