Charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte allege his involvement in the killings of at least 76 individuals, both during his time as mayor of Davao City and as president, according to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The newly disclosed charges were made public following the submission of a detailed charge sheet on July 4, 2023.
The allegations are categorized into three main charges. The first pertains to 19 victims killed while Duterte served as mayor of Davao City from 2013 to 2016. The second charge involves 14 fatalities from targeted killings that occurred between 2016 and 2017 during his presidency. The third charge cites the deaths of 43 people during so-called “clearance operations” that took place from 2016 to 2018.
According to the charge sheet, prosecutors assert that Duterte instructed and authorized “violent acts including murder” against alleged criminals, specifically targeting drug dealers and users. Despite these serious claims, Duterte, along with his legal team and family, has not yet provided a public response to the charges.
Throughout his presidency, Duterte consistently denied authorizing extrajudicial killings, despite his public statements that threatened drug suspects with death. He encouraged law enforcement to use deadly force if suspects resisted arrest, a stance that has drawn widespread condemnation.
In March 2023, Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities under a warrant issued by the ICC. He is currently being held at an ICC facility located in the Netherlands. The legal proceedings have faced criticism from Duterte’s supporters, who have condemned the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for arresting and surrendering the former leader to a court whose jurisdiction they dispute.
A hearing that was scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed. The delay allows judges time to consider arguments from Duterte’s lawyers, who claim that he is not fit to stand trial.
The unfolding legal situation surrounding Duterte raises significant questions about accountability and justice in the Philippines, as well as the broader implications for international human rights enforcement. As this case progresses, the eyes of the world remain focused on the ICC and the responses from both Duterte and the Philippine government.
