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ICC Charges Rodrigo Duterte With 3 Counts of Murder Linked to Drug War

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte faces murder charges at The Hague over alleged crimes against humanity.

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 23 September 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
ICC Charges Rodrigo Duterte With 3 Counts of Murder Linked to Drug War

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally slapped former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte with three counts of murder tied to his bloody war on drugs and earlier actions as Davao City mayor.

What the Charges Cover

Prosecutors say Duterte is criminally liable for:

  • The murder of 19 people in Davao City (2013–2016)

  • The murder of 14 “high-value targets” during his presidency (2016–2017)

  • The murder and attempted murder of 45 people in nationwide barangay clearing ops (2016–2018)

These are all classified as crimes against humanity under ICC rules.

The Bigger Picture

According to prosecutors, Duterte and allies followed a “Common Plan” to “neutralize” alleged criminals—mostly through killings. The infamous Davao Death Squad was cited as part of this structure, which later expanded nationwide once Duterte became president.

What Happens Next

A confirmation of charges hearing will determine if the case heads to trial. Originally set for September 23, the session was delayed after Duterte’s lawyer claimed he’s medically unfit to stand trial. Victims’ counsel called it a stall tactic.

Popular Yet Polarizing

Despite the arrest and mounting cases, Duterte remains popular among many Filipinos, especially in Davao City. Official government figures show over 6,000 deaths from police operations during his presidency, while rights groups say the toll could reach up to 30,000.

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