Duterte, Allies, and Police Chiefs Charged With Crimes Against Humanity at ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally charged former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with crimes against humanity, along with an alleged inner circle of senior police officials, government appointees, and local operatives accused of carrying out thousands of killings under his war on drugs.

In its redacted Document Containing the Charges (DCC), ICC prosecutors described a common plan directed by Duterte and his co-perpetrators from 2011 to 2019. The plan, first implemented in Davao City through the Davao Death Squad (DDS), was expanded nationwide during his presidency as a National Network of state agents, police units, and hired killers.

The Co-Perpetrators

According to the Prosecution, Duterte did not act alone. His circle included:

• Philippine National Police (PNP) generals and senior officers from Davao City who were later promoted to national posts.

• Trusted lieutenants and close allies placed in leadership positions at the PDEA, NBI, and Bureau of Corrections after 2016.

• Barangay officials and city hall personnel who served as local handlers for killings.

• Non-police hitmen recruited and inducted personally by Duterte to serve as executioners.

  
  

The filing notes that many names are redacted to protect victims and witnesses, but it stresses that the co-perpetrators held operational command and reported directly to Duterte, who sat “at the apex” of the killing structure.

System of Control

The ICC outlined how Duterte and his co-conspirators maintained tight control over the perpetrators:

• Approval process: Killings in Davao City required Duterte’s authorization.

• Rewards: Police officers and hitmen were paid up to ₱1 million for eliminating “high-value targets” named on the so-called PRRD List.

• Threats and violence: Those who resisted orders risked being killed themselves.

• Impunity: Police and hitmen were promised legal protection and were shielded from investigations.

  
  

The Charges

Duterte and his alleged co-conspirators face three counts under the Rome Statute:

• Count 1: Murder in Davao City (19 victims, 2013–2016).

• Count 2: Murder of “high-value targets” nationwide (14 victims, 2016–2017).

• Count 3: Murder and attempted murder during barangay operations (45 victims, 2016–2018).

  
  

The Prosecution stressed that the actual death toll was far higher, citing “hundreds” killed during Duterte’s mayoralty and “thousands” more across the Philippines during his presidency.

What Comes Next

The charges will be reviewed by Pre-Trial Chamber I, which will decide whether to confirm them and proceed to trial. Duterte’s defense has claimed he is “not fit to stand trial,” a motion that delayed the confirmation hearing.

If the case advances, Duterte and his co-perpetrators could become the first Philippine officials held accountable before an international tribunal for extrajudicial killings committed under state policy.