ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang has publicly released the charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte for his alleged “crimes against humanity” in connection with his “war on drugs.”
The document was uploaded to the International Criminal Court (ICC) website on September 22, in The Hague, Netherlands.
The charges, filed under the case “The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” accuse Duterte of murder and attempted murder as crimes against humanity. The prosecution alleges that from November 2011 to March 2019, while serving as mayor of Davao City and later as president, Duterte orchestrated a “widespread and systematic attack” against the civilian population.
Allegations and charges
The ICC prosecutor outlines three primary modes of criminal responsibility against Duterte:
- Indirect Co-Perpetrator: This is the main accusation, alleging Duterte designed the policy, established the groups responsible for the killings (including the “Davao Death Squad”), and provided the resources and impunity that allowed the crimes to occur.
- Ordering and Inducing: The charges claim he used public statements and direct commands to incite the crimes.
- Aiding and Abetting: The prosecution alleges he facilitated and encouraged the killings.
The document details three main counts supported by specific incidents:
Count 1: Murders in Davao City (2013-2016)
This count cites nine incidents, detailing the killings of 19 individuals identified as alleged drug pushers or thieves by the DDS. The document states Duterte was “at the apex” of this group, which reportedly included police and non-police hitmen, and that his approval was required for the killings.
Count 2: Murders of “High-Value Targets”” (2016-2017)
The charges refer to a “PRRD list” (using Duterte‘s initials) of targets. It’s alleged that police had access to a covert reward system, with payments ranging from P50,000 to P1 million for these killings. Five incidents involving 14 victims are cited in this count.
Count 3: Murders and attempted murders in “barangay clearance operations” (2016-2018)
This count details 35 incidents involving 45 victims, described as ‘lower-level’ alleged criminals.
The prosecution also noted that the charged incidents are representative of a much larger pattern, with “at least hundreds of other murders during the mayoral period [and] thousands of other murders in the presidential period.”
Background and current status
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I is currently hearing the case. The former president has consistently denied the allegations and challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
The publication of the charges came after a warrant for Duterte’s arrest was issued in March 2025. He was surrendered to the court’s custody on March 12, 2025.
A confirmation hearing, which was originally scheduled for September 23, 2025, has since been postponed to allow the court to address outstanding matters.
