ICC Charges Former Philippine President Duterte With Crimes Against Humanity Over Drug War Murders

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC) with three counts of murder as crimes against humanity, relating to killings during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and as president from 2013 to 2018. The charges allege that Duterte orchestrated a systematic campaign involving police, non-police hitmen, and a national network to target alleged drug suspects, including "high-value targets" and individuals during barangay anti-drug operations. Prosecutors accuse Duterte of being the architect of a "common plan" of violence, directing state-sanctioned executions and fostering impunity for those involved. The ICC case highlights the widespread and organized nature of these killings, with at least 78 victims named, though the actual scale is believed to be much larger. Duterte was arrested and detained by the ICC, but a confirmation of charges hearing was postponed due to claims regarding his fitness to stand trial. Despite his detention, Duterte and his family maintain that his actions were for the country and Filipino people.