The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally unveiled the detailed accusations of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. These charges specifically point to his alleged direct involvement in the deaths of at least 76 individuals during his time both as President of the Philippines and, earlier, as the Mayor of Davao City.
The prosecution’s case outlines three distinct sets of allegations. The initial charge focuses on the deaths of 19 victims in Davao City between 2013 and approximately 2016, during Duterte’s mayoral term. A second charge details 14 targeted killings that occurred from 2016 to 2017 while he served as President. The third, and most extensive, accusation concerns the killings of 43 individuals during controversial ‘clearance operations’ conducted between 2016 and 2018.
These previously redacted charges were publicly disclosed on Monday, September 22, 2025, following the submission of a comprehensive 15-page charge sheet by prosecutors on July 4. The ICC alleges, among other serious claims, that Duterte directly ‘instructed and authorized violent acts, including murder, to be carried out against alleged criminals, particularly suspected drug dealers and users.’ There has been no immediate comment from Duterte, his legal team, or his family regarding these detailed accusations. During his presidency, Duterte consistently denied ordering extrajudicial killings, even as he frequently issued public death threats to drug suspects and encouraged police to use lethal force if faced with violent resistance.
It is confirmed that Duterte was arrested in March by Philippine authorities, acting on an ICC warrant. He is currently detained at an International Criminal Court facility located in the Netherlands.
The arrest and surrender of the former leader to a court whose authority his supporters vehemently contest have drawn sharp criticism from Duterte’s loyalists. They have publicly condemned the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a known political adversary of Duterte, for facilitating this action.
A pivotal court hearing, initially slated for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, has been postponed. This delay allows judges sufficient time to thoroughly assess arguments put forth by Duterte’s legal counsel, who contend that he is medically unfit to stand trial.