The International Criminal Court was informed on Monday that Rodrigo Duterte personally sanctioned killings and selected victims as part of his anti-drug campaign, as the legal proceedings against the former Philippines president commenced.
During the “confirmation of charges” hearings, ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang emphasized that those in positions of power are not immune to the law, highlighting the week-long process to determine if a full trial should proceed against Duterte.
Despite being deemed fit to participate, the 80-year-old was absent from the court as his defense requested his non-appearance, a request that was granted by the judges.
Niang pointed out Duterte’s significant involvement in the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug offenders, both during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as the national president, alleging that he authorized murders and personally chose some of the victims.
Denying the accusations, Duterte’s lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, addressed reporters before the hearing, with his response expected later in the day.
Following the hearings, a written decision on whether Duterte should face a full trial will be issued by the judges within 60 days.
Outside the court, opposing groups of demonstrators gathered early in the morning, with Patricia Enriquez, a 36-year-old researcher, describing the moment as historic for the alleged victims of Duterte’s actions, expressing a mix of emotions including hope and pain.
On the contrary, 35-year-old chef Aldo Villarta viewed the international court’s involvement as a negative development for the Philippines, citing concerns over the infringement of Duterte’s human rights and the country’s historical struggle against colonization.
‘High value targets’
The charges against Duterte include three counts of crimes against humanity, accusing him of direct involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018, a fraction of the total killings believed to have occurred during his anti-drug campaign in the Philippines.
Arrested in Manila in March last year, Duterte was transferred to the Netherlands and has been detained at the ICC’s facility in Scheveningen Prison. In subsequent hearings, he appeared via video link, showing signs of frailty and minimal communication.
The first charge pertains to his alleged role in 19 murders while serving as Davao City mayor, followed by accusations of involvement in 14 killings of “High Value Targets” during his presidency, and an additional 43 murders during anti-drug operations across the Philippines.
In Manila, relatives of those killed in the crackdown gathered at a community center to watch the proceedings, expressing disappointment over Duterte’s absence and questioning his reluctance to confront the allegations against him.
Gloria Sarmiento, whose partner was a victim of the anti-drug campaign, remarked that Duterte’s avoidance of the hearings may reflect a refusal to acknowledge responsibility for his actions, suggesting a lack of courage on his part.
