It’s final: Rodrigo Duterte to face ICC trial for crimes against humanity

MANILA – Families of extrajudicial killings victims clinched another victory as the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber unanimously confirmed all the charges against Rodrigo Duterte, including three counts of crimes against humanity.

“We have weathered so many challenges and difficulties to get to this. We are thankful to all those who have supported us. This is a win for the Filipino people,” said Llore Pasco, mother of two “drug war” victims, in a statement. 

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I concluded that there are substantial grounds to believe that Duterte is responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder, committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, while the country is a member of the Rome Statute.

“Duterte meant to engage in the charged conduct, and intended, or was aware that violent crimes including murder would be committed in the ordinary course of events as a result of the implementation of the Common Plan,” the decision read.

The “Common Plan” refers to the agreement of Duterte and his co-perpetrators to “neutralize” alleged criminals, especially those associated with drug use, sale or production, in the Philippines through violent crimes including murder.

“Duterte was aware that the Common Plan involved an element of criminality and was aware of the fundamental features of the Davao Death Squad and the National Network which enabled him to exercise control over the charged crimes together with his Co-Perpetrators,” the decision added.

The decision comes a day after the ICC Appeals Chamber rejected all four grounds of Duterte’s appeal to challenge the jurisdiction, affirming the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision on October 23, 2025. Due to this, the defense’s request for Duterte’s immediate and unconditional release is declared moot. 

The court also emphasized that the Court has the power to exercise its jurisdiction, pursuant to the article 127 (2) of the Rome Statute. The provision stipulates that the State shall not be discharged from any obligations by the reason of its withdrawal – it shall not affect any criminal investigations and proceedings of the ICC, especially crimes committed prior to the withdrawal.

Read: Duterte defeated twice on ICC jurisdiction challenge

“We have long waited for this moment. It’s been nearly ten years since Duterte started implementing his deadly war on drugs. We look forward to seeing him in ICC court,” Llore added.

Following the consecutive victories, human rights group Karapatan said that it is a product of collective action of the victims’ families.

“Thousands lost their loved ones, communities were terrorized, witnesses were intimidated and silenced, advocates were persecuted. Hence, this major victory is most welcome – we pursued and fought for justice, and Duterte will stand trial soon and will remain in jail,” Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay said in a statement.

Of more than 30,000 victims documented by human rights groups, only five cases resulted in court convictions. For every 6,000 killed, only one case resulted in a court conviction.

Palabay added that the victory is bittersweet as the dignity of thousands of victims cannot be brought back. “Their families remain stricken with grief on their loss, and the majority remain as poor as ever. Extrajudicial killings continue, in the slums of Metro Manila, in the fields of Negros, and in most places in the country where injustice and impunity continues to reign.”

Rise Up for Life and for Rights, an organization of victims’ families, called on other families to come forward. “We ask other families to come forward. It’s natural to be afraid but we can get courage from one another,” said its coordinator Rubilyn Litao.

ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said that the following months will be utilized to process the inclusion of more victims in the case upon the confirmation of charges. As of now, there are more than 500 victims authorized to participate in the proceedings.

“The ICC must now ensure victims’ rights to participate in the trial and guarantee that witnesses are protected so that the trial can decide on the allegations facing Duterte,” said Amnesty International section director Ritz Lee Santos III in a statement. 

The case will now move to a Trial Chamber, which will decide on the next steps.
Follow Bulatlat’s coverage of Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder through our page: #DuterteCrimesWatch.

The post It’s final: Rodrigo Duterte to face ICC trial for crimes against humanity appeared first on Bulatlat.