The International Criminal Court (ICC) continues to move forward in its investigation into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, with the Office of the Prosecutor submitting another substantial batch of evidence in connection to the case alleging crimes against humanity. This marks the 12th formal submission of materials intended to support the charges filed against Duterte, who remains in ICC custody in The Hague, Netherlands.
On July 4, a four-page submission was filed before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber 1. The document details the contents of the new evidence, which includes a total of 1,253 items compiled into 10 separate packages. These packages aim to bolster the prosecution’s narrative of systematic killings and targeted operations conducted under Duterte’s leadership—both during his presidency and his time as mayor of Davao City.
Content of the Evidence
The newly submitted materials are divided according to specific themes and timeframes. These include:
- Contextual Evidence – Background materials that provide socio-political context on the situation in the Philippines during Duterte’s leadership.
- Killings under the Davao Death Squad (DDS) – Incidents that allegedly took place when Duterte served as mayor of Davao City, where a pattern of vigilante-style executions was widely reported.
- Barangay Clearance Operations – Deaths linked to local anti-drug campaigns conducted during Duterte’s presidency, allegedly using “tokhang-style” tactics that bypassed legal safeguards.
- Murders of High-Value Targets – Operations focusing on individuals tagged as major players in illegal drug activities, many of whom were killed in controversial police raids.
These submissions serve to reinforce the prosecution’s argument that the killings were not isolated incidents but part of a broader, organized policy that violated international human rights norms.
Duterte’s Legal Status
Rodrigo Duterte has been in the custody of the ICC since earlier this year after turning himself in voluntarily. The former Philippine leader has maintained his innocence, asserting that the controversial war on drugs was a legitimate state policy aimed at curbing widespread narcotics abuse and criminality in the country.
Despite his claims, international and local human rights groups have long accused Duterte of enabling and encouraging a culture of impunity. Thousands of deaths under questionable circumstances were reported during his six-year term as president from 2016 to 2022. Many of these killings were allegedly carried out without warrants, due process, or credible evidence against the victims.
The upcoming confirmation of charges hearing, scheduled for September 23, 2025, will be a significant milestone in the case. During this stage, the ICC will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. If confirmed, Duterte could be formally tried before the international court.
Background of the ICC Investigation
The ICC opened a preliminary examination into the situation in the Philippines in 2018. This eventually led to a full investigation being authorized in 2021, following numerous reports and documentation of extrajudicial killings tied to the government’s anti-drug campaign. Even after the Philippine government officially withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019—a move intended to prevent ICC jurisdiction—the Court has asserted that it retains authority over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a state party.
Duterte and his legal team have consistently challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that local mechanisms exist to address any alleged misconduct. However, the prosecution has emphasized that the domestic accountability system has proven ineffective, citing a lack of serious investigations and prosecutions related to drug war killings.
Human Rights Watch and Civil Society’s Role
Various advocacy groups and legal experts have played a crucial role in building the case against Duterte. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and local coalitions of families of victims have compiled testimonies, forensic evidence, and independent reports to support the ICC’s case.
The 12th batch of evidence is seen as part of a broader and meticulous effort to present a comprehensive picture of how the drug war operated in practice. These documents are expected to include witness statements, police reports, internal government communications, and audiovisual materials, although the exact nature of the evidence remains confidential under ICC protocols.
Political Implications in the Philippines
Back home, reactions to the ongoing ICC proceedings remain mixed. Duterte still enjoys a loyal support base, especially among those who credit him with lowering crime rates and “getting things done.” However, political allies of the current administration have largely remained neutral or silent on the matter, likely due to the delicate nature of international legal proceedings.
Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter, has also refrained from giving public statements regarding the ICC developments in recent weeks. Nonetheless, she previously expressed concern about her father’s health and the legal pressures he’s facing abroad.
Observers note that the case could impact the Philippines’ future relationship with international human rights institutions, particularly if the ICC advances to the trial stage and secures a conviction.
The Road Ahead
The submission of the 12th batch of evidence underscores the ICC’s commitment to thoroughly examining the allegations against Duterte. With over a thousand documents now part of the official case file, the Pre-Trial Chamber is expected to spend the coming months reviewing the materials to decide on whether the case should move forward to a full trial.
Legal experts familiar with ICC proceedings stress that the path to conviction is long and complex. Even after charges are confirmed, a trial can take years, involving hundreds of witness testimonies, defense challenges, and extensive cross-examinations.
In the meantime, the ICC will continue accepting and analyzing new evidence. It is possible that additional batches may be submitted prior to the September 2025 hearing.
Conclusion
The Duterte case is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched international criminal proceedings in recent memory. As the 12th batch of evidence is officially submitted, the world awaits how the ICC will move forward. Whether the former president is eventually tried and convicted or acquitted, the proceedings themselves are already a historic reckoning for accountability in the context of state-led violence and impunity.
With the clock ticking toward the September hearing, all eyes are on The Hague—where justice, accountability, and human rights converge on the global stage.