The International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber I unanimously ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial after finding substantial grounds that he may be criminally responsible for crimes against humanity.
The charges cover 49 incidents involving killings and attempted murders allegedly linked to the drug war and the Davao Death Squad from 2011 to 2019.
Judges said evidence suggests Duterte helped establish and oversee the DDS and later expanded the alleged operations nationwide during his presidency.
The court also noted that he allegedly ordered lists of drug suspects and provided resources for the commission of the crimes.
Both prosecution and defense reacted strongly, with victims’ lawyers welcoming the ruling while Duterte’s camp and supporters denied the allegations and vowed to challenge the case at trial.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 24, 2026
Latest from Politics
The House of Representatives has recognized Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate leader, despite
The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur has secured P345 million worth of farm-to-market (FMR) road
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos urged the government to help speed up farmland leveling efforts
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed support for key initiatives to strengthen the Philippines’ space science and
Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian’s bloc is set to hold its own Blue Ribbon Committee hearing
