The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally presented murder charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, accusing him of crimes against humanity for 43 drug-related killings during his tenure as Davao City mayor and President of the Philippines. This development came during Duterte’s initial appearance hearing on Friday, March 14.
The ICC’s investigation, which resumed in January 2023, covers alleged crimes committed from November 2011 to June 2016, including extrajudicial killings in Davao City and thousands of killings throughout the country during Duterte’s “war on drugs”.
Duterte’s arrest on an ICC warrant was announced on March 12, 2025, marking a significant step towards accountability for the alleged atrocities committed during his administration.
The ICC has accused Duterte of murder as crimes against humanity, specifically citing 43 drug-related killings that occurred during his time in office. This initial hearing marks the beginning of a lengthy legal process that will determine Duterte’s fate.
As the proceedings unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how the ICC handles this high-profile case.
