ICC Prosecution Advances in Duterte Crimes Evidence
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution has submitted its sixth batch of evidence in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte. This latest disclosure focuses on alleged murders linked to the administration’s anti-drug campaign. The ICC prosecution’s submission of evidence against Duterte highlights the ongoing investigation into crimes against humanity.
On June 3, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang announced that 90 new items were shared with the Defense on May 23. These items fall under three thematic packages and relate specifically to killings reportedly connected to “barangay clearance operations” during Duterte’s presidency.
Details of the Evidence Submitted
The filing breaks down the evidence into three groups:
– Pre-Confirmation INCRIM Package 009 (May 23, 2025): 32 items detailing crimes against humanity concerning murders during barangay clearance operations.
– Pre-Confirmation INCRIM Package 010 (May 23, 2025): 35 items further documenting similar allegations.
– Pre-Confirmation Rule 77 Package 001 (May 23, 2025): 23 items providing background information relevant for the defense’s preparation.
The annexes containing these documents remain confidential, as they include inter partes evidence exchanged between the parties, which is not intended for public release.
Timeline and Next Steps in ICC Proceedings
The ICC prosecutor’s office must complete all evidence disclosures by July 1. This deadline precedes the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23, as instructed by ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I. The newly submitted items add to a substantial collection of evidence that the ICC has accumulated, which already includes at least 421 documents, nine photographs, and nearly 16 hours of audio and video recordings.
Earlier this year, on February 10, the ICC Prosecutor formally requested an arrest warrant against Duterte for crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. The warrant was issued under seal on March 7 and publicly released on March 11. Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities and surrendered to The Hague on March 12.
Duterte appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber via video link on March 14. Since then, the Pre-Trial Chamber has found reasonable grounds to believe Duterte is individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for crimes committed in the Philippines from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.
The ICC prosecution’s ongoing evidence submission highlights the gravity and complexity of the case. Local leaders noted that this process remains a critical step toward accountability for alleged human rights violations during Duterte’s presidency.
For more news and updates on ICC prosecution evidence, visit Filipinokami.com.