Headlines
Duterte was 'pivotal' in murder of thousands, ICC prosecutors say
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 23, 2026
3 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
Tags:Human Rights
Quick Summary
ICC prosecutors began confirmation hearings in The Hague, alleging Duterte’s pivotal role in drug-war murders. He faces three counts as crimes against humanity; judges will decide within 60 days if the case proceeds to trial.
ICC prosecutors: Duterte played key role in thousands of killings
By Bart Meijer and Bart Biesemans
Dateline: The Hague
THE HAGUE, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was "pivotal" in the murder of thousands of people during his reign, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) said on Monday, as they pushed for his trial to go ahead.
ICC Case and Pre-Trial Overview
The prosecutors at the Hague-based war crimes court have charged Duterte with three counts of murder as a crime against humanity, involving dozens of victims that accusers say were only a fraction of the real death toll in his clampdown on alleged drug users and criminals.
Prosecutors’ Statements
"Duterte's so-called war on drugs resulted in the killings of thousands of civilians and many of these victims were children," prosecutor Mame Niang said at the opening of pre-trial hearings meant to confirm charges.
"Mr Duterte must be held to account and this case should be confirmed for trial," he said.
Judicial Confirmation Requirement
Under the ICC rules, judges will have to confirm charges before the case can move to trial.
Duterte served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and was arrested and taken to The Hague last March.
Death Squad Claims
Allegations and Evidence
According to the prosecutors, Duterte created, funded and armed death squads to target and kill alleged narcotics peddlers and users.
Duterte has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the crackdown.
"Mr Duterte played a pivotal role in the committing of the charged crimes. His contribution was essential, as he was at the very heart of the plan to neutralise alleged criminals including through murder," Niang said.
OPPONENTS GATHER
Public Reaction Outside Court
Opponents of Duterte gathered outside the court building, chanting "Hold Duterte accountable!" in Tagalog.
"I hope, and I am quite confident, that the charges of murder and attempted murder will be confirmed" and Duterte's guilt ultimately proven, Cristina Palabay, a worker at the human rights alliance Karapatan, told Reuters outside court.
Cognitive Decline Claim
Defense Position and Absence
Duterte, 80, will not be present at the hearings, as his defence said he would not be able to understand proceedings due to his cognitive decline.
"For us, it's cowardice," said Sheerah Escudero, whose brother was killed during the war on drugs. "We know that Duterte will not be able to escape accountability."
Timeline and Next Steps
After the hearings conclude on Friday, judges will take up to 60 days to decide if there is sufficient evidence to move the case to a trial.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Bart Meijer and Bart Biesemans)
Key Takeaways
- •ICC prosecutors allege Duterte played a pivotal role in a plan that led to thousands of civilian deaths in the Philippines' drug war.
- •He faces three counts of murder as crimes against humanity tied to a sample of incidents amid a larger alleged death toll.
- •Pre-trial confirmation hearings opened in The Hague; judges must confirm charges before a full trial can proceed.
- •A decision on whether to move to trial is expected within up to 60 days after the hearings conclude.
- •Duterte, 80, is not attending the hearings, citing cognitive decline; victims and opponents rallied outside the court demanding accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Duterte was 'pivotal' in murder of thousands, ICC prosecutors say
1What is the main topic?
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court opened pre-trial hearings alleging Rodrigo Duterte played a pivotal role in murders tied to the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign.
2What charges does Duterte face at the ICC?
He faces three counts of murder as crimes against humanity, based on a documented sample of incidents that prosecutors say reflects a wider pattern of killings.
3What happens next in the ICC process?
Judges will review evidence presented at confirmation hearings and decide within up to 60 days whether to confirm the charges and move the case to a full trial.
