Duterte to face trial for crimes against humanity

In an open court decision, the three pre-trial judges said there are “substantial grounds to believe” that Duterte was “criminally responsible” for the three counts of crimes against humanity.

Manuel Mogato | April 24, 2026

THE HAGUE — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face trial for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Pre-Trial Chamber I has ruled after all the charges against him.

In an open court decision, the three pre-trial judges said there are “substantial grounds to believe” that Duterte was “criminally responsible” for the three counts of crimes against humanity brought by the ICC prosecutor against him.

The judges said the crimes were committed as part of a “widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population” in the Philippines between Nov. 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, in the context of the “war on drugs” campaign.

The pre-trial judges said evidentiary materials indicate Duterte’s control over the execution of the policy, which “directly contributed to the commission of the killings.” (Also read: ICC Appeals Chamber rejects Duterte’s appeal)

ICC prosecutors had earlier accused Duterte of being “individually criminally responsible” for indirect co-perpetration; ordering and inducing; and aiding and abetting in the following counts:

Count 1: Murders in or around Davao City by the Davao Death Squad during the mayoral period

Count 2: Murders of high-value targets during the presidential period

Count 3: Murders and attempted murders in village clearance operations during the presidential period

Duterte’s case would now be transferred to an ICC Trial Chamber.

“The Presidency shall constitute a Trial Chamber which shall be responsible for the conduct of subsequent proceedings, composed of three judges other than those who sat on the Pre-Trial bench,” the ICC said in a statement.

“This will be done in due course and announced via our usual channels.”

The ICC also assured the trials are “fair and impartial,” and Duterte’s camp would have sufficient time to prepare its case, while respecting the rights of victims.

The pre-trial chamber based its decision on the evidence and arguments presented by the ICC Prosecutor and the Defense during the confirmation of charges hearing from Feb. 23 to 27.