Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces Duterte War Crimes Charges at the International Criminal Court over his bloody war on drugs. Prosecutors accuse him of crimes against humanity for killings linked to police and death squads. The charges cover his time as both mayor and president when thousands allegedly died. Duterte denies wrongdoing while his legal team cites health issues to delay proceedings.
International Criminal Court prosecutors have charged former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity for his role in mass killings during the war on drugs. The charges include 76 murders between 2011 and 2019 though prosecutors claim the toll was higher.
Duterte allegedly formed the Davao death squad as mayor then expanded it nationwide as president in 2016 recruiting hitmen and offering immunity to police involved in the killings. Court documents cite his public remarks about dumping bodies in Manila Bay and rewarding officers for eliminating suspects.
The three charges cover 19 murders as mayor 14 high-value targets as president and 43 clearance operation killings. Duterte remains in ICC custody in the Netherlands while his lawyers seek trial delays citing poor health.
