The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally charged former president Rodrigo Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity tied to killings in his anti-illegal drugs campaign.
A court document signed by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang alleged Duterte’s liability for 78 deaths from 2013 to 2018, spanning his tenure as Davao City mayor and as president.
Count 1 covers 19 victims in Davao City, Count 2 involves 14 so-called “high-value targets” across the Philippines, and Count 3 pertains to 45 victims in barangay clearance operations.
The ICC said Duterte bore responsibility through indirect co-perpetration, ordering, inducing, and aiding and abetting the crimes.
Prosecutors noted that the attacks were carried out by the Davao Death Squad and later by a broader national network of law enforcement and hired hitmen.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 23, 2025
