Reporting for 24x7 Breaking News, The Hague, Netherlands — International Criminal Court (ICC) judges began a pivotal four-day hearing on February 23, scrutinizing charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from his brutal “war on drugs.” This historic proceeding, which started approximately 15 hours ago, could determine whether the 80-year-old former head of state faces a full trial for orchestrating a campaign that human rights groups claim led to the extrajudicial killings of tens of thousands.
ICC prosecutors allege Duterte acted as an “indirect co-perpetrator” in at least 76 murders and other offenses between November 2011 and March 2019, a period spanning his tenure as Davao City mayor and the first half of his presidency. Prosecutor Mame Niang underscored the gravity of the situation on Monday, telling judges that Duterte’s campaign “resulted in the killings of thousands of civilians, and many of these victims were children,” advocating fiercely for accountability.
A Strongman's Legacy: Duterte's Controversial Rise to Power
Rodrigo Duterte ascended to the Philippine presidency in 2016 on a wave of popular frustration with rampant crime and illicit drug use, promising a ruthless crackdown. He had cultivated a formidable reputation as the long-serving mayor of Davao, a sprawling southern metropolis, where his tough-on-crime stance was legendary and widely credited with restoring peace and order.
Despite his contentious legacy, which included shocking rhetoric and frequent verbal attacks on international figures like the late Pope Francis and former US President Barack Obama, his strongman persona resonated deeply with many Filipinos. Duterte often portrayed himself as a political outsider, championing the interests of those in the provinces who felt marginalized by Manila’s elite.
His unapologetic stance on his anti-drug campaign was a hallmark of his tenure. He once infamously declared he’d be “happy to slaughter” millions of drug addicts, whom he blamed for destroying the country. This incendiary rhetoric drew widespread international condemnation, yet Duterte remained largely unfazed by the criticism.
The Allegations Unpacked: A 'War on Drugs' and its Human Toll
The core of the ICC’s case revolves around allegations that Duterte systematically used police officers and hired hitmen to “neutralize” individuals branded as criminals. Prosecutors claim this tactic was central to his flagship anti-drug initiative, dubbed Operation Double Barrel, which often saw suspects gunned down in streets and alleys by unidentified assailants.
Human rights monitors consistently reported that the campaign disproportionately targeted small-time pushers and users from the country’s urban poor, while allegedly failing to bring major drug kingpins to justice. These groups assert that many suspects were summarily executed, often with police claiming self-defense in situations widely disputed by witnesses and evidence.
The true human toll of this campaign remains tragically unquantified, with some rights organizations estimating as many as 30,000 lives lost. Duterte, however, has vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing the charges against him as an “outrageous lie.” His officials and the Philippine police force have consistently maintained that all killings were legitimate and in self-defense, rejecting any notion of state-sponsored extrajudicial violence.
The Real-World Impact: Families' Quest for Justice
For the families of those killed, the ICC hearing represents a rare beacon of hope for accountability after years of grieving and seeking justice within their own country. On February 23, before the Confirmation of Charges hearing began, many gathered to protest, their presence a poignant reminder of the thousands of lives irrevocably altered.
These ordinary people, often from impoverished communities, have endured not only the loss of loved ones but also the fear and intimidation that pervaded the “war on drugs” era. Their persistent calls for justice highlight the profound human cost of policies that prioritize brute force over due process and human rights. For them, these proceedings are not abstract legal battles but a deeply personal fight for recognition and closure.
The pursuit of justice for victims of alleged state-sanctioned violence is a global challenge, mirroring struggles in other nations grappling with complex drug-related crises and the thin line between law enforcement and human rights abuses. The volatile aftermath of events like the reported death of drug lord 'El Mencho' in Mexico showcases the broader difficulties governments face in controlling illicit trade without resorting to extreme measures.
A Family's Fierce Defense and the Divisive Political Landscape
Despite the international outcry and the ICC proceedings, Duterte remains a popular, albeit polarizing, figure within the Philippines. His enduring appeal was evident in his landslide victory in the 2025 mayoral race in Davao, even while facing potential indictment. His political influence continues through his family; his daughter, Sara Duterte, serves as the current Vice-President, and his son, Sebastian Duterte, is Vice-Mayor of Davao, currently acting as mayor.
Sebastian Duterte swiftly condemned the ICC hearing shortly after its commencement. On Facebook, he wrote, “Let’s call this what it is - not justice, not accountability, but selective prosecution dressed up as moral superiority.” This sentiment reflects a significant portion of the Filipino population that views the ICC’s intervention as an infringement on national sovereignty and a politically motivated attack on a leader they believe brought order to the country.
Duterte himself, though not present in the courtroom, has waived his right to attend, consistently stating that he does not recognize the ICC’s authority. His lawyer reiterated his client's unwavering maintenance of innocence, asserting that no crime was committed. This defiance underscores the deep chasm between international legal norms and the nationalistic defenses often employed by leaders accused of human rights violations.
The Global Stakes: International Justice on Trial
Duterte’s case marks a significant moment in international law, making him the first Asian former head of state to face indictment by the ICC. The proceedings serve as a potent reminder from Prosecutor Niang that “those in power are not above the law,” sending a clear message globally about accountability for alleged atrocities.
The ICC’s jurisdiction over crimes committed in the Philippines extends to November 2011 through March 2019, despite the country’s withdrawal from the court’s Rome Statute in 2019. This means that any alleged crimes committed prior to the withdrawal date still fall under the ICC's purview, reinforcing the principle that states cannot simply exit international agreements to evade justice.
Over the four-day hearing, judges must meticulously weigh the evidence presented by prosecutors to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed to a full trial. This decision carries immense implications, not only for Duterte and the victims’ families but also for the broader landscape of international criminal justice and the enforceability of human rights standards worldwide.
The world watches as the ICC navigates this complex case, balancing the pursuit of justice with the political sensitivities of national sovereignty. The outcome could significantly shape how international bodies address alleged crimes against humanity by powerful state leaders in the future.
The confirmation of charges hearing for former President Duterte represents a pivotal moment for international justice and human rights. Given the political complexities and the strong support Duterte still commands, how should international courts balance the pursuit of justice for alleged atrocities with the principle of national sovereignty?
This article was independently researched and written by Hussain for 24x7 Breaking News. We adhere to strict journalistic standards and editorial independence.
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