The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber 1 has confirmed all three charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, according to a decision released on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The ruling was signed by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera, and has been transmitted to the ICC Presidency along with the full record of proceedings.
Charges Against Duterte
The ICC charges Duterte with the following crimes:
- Murder in or around Davao City during his term as mayor from 2013 to 2016 by the Davao Death Squad, involving 19 victims, including three children.
- Murder of high-value targets during his presidency from 2016 to 2017, involving 14 victims.
- Murder and attempted murder in barangay clearance operations during his presidency from 2016 to 2018, covering 45 victims.
Interim Release Request Denied
The confirmation of charges came one day after the ICC Appeals Chamber declared Duterte's request for interim release moot. The five-member Appeals Chamber rejected the challenge from Duterte's legal team regarding the court's jurisdiction, denying all four defense arguments. The chamber affirmed its authority over crimes committed in the Philippines by a Filipino while the country remained a member of the Rome Statute.
Background of the Case
Authorities arrested Duterte on March 11, 2025, based on an arrest warrant issued by the ICC as part of its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity. These allegations stem from the implementation of the drug war from 2011 to 2019, covering his tenure as Davao City mayor and his term as president of the National Government. Duterte was subsequently flown to the Netherlands via private jet for his turnover to the ICC.
The Philippines remained a member of the Rome Statute from November 1, 2011, until March 17, 2019, following the withdrawal order issued by Duterte. The ICC's jurisdiction over the alleged crimes is based on this period of membership.
