The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I has confirmed all charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and committed him to trial.
In its ruling on April 23, 2026, the Chamber found substantial grounds to believe that Duterte is responsible for crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder in connection with the Philippine “war on drugs.”
The judges, Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera, unanimously agreed that the evidence presented by the Office of the Prosecutor established a widespread and systematic attack against civilians between November 2011 and March 2019, while the Philippines was still a member of the Rome Statute.
The charges include three counts of crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute, covering at least 78 victims.
Duterte was surrendered to the ICC in March 2025 following the issuance of a warrant of arrest, and an initial appearance was held shortly thereafter. The confirmation of charges hearing took place in February 2026, with submissions from the Prosecutor, the Defence, and victims’ representatives.
With the charges now confirmed, the case will proceed to a Trial Chamber, which will set the schedule and procedures for the trial. The ICC emphasized that proceedings will be conducted fairly and impartially, ensuring the rights of both the Defence and the victims.
This marks a historic moment in international justice, as Duterte becomes the first former head of state from Southeast Asia to face trial at the ICC.
Human rights advocates and victims’ groups have hailed the decision as a significant step toward accountability for thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings during the drug war.
