ICC opens hearings into ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has commenced pretrial hearings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaigns as both mayor of Davao City and president. The charges accuse him of overseeing at least 76 killings between 2013 and 2018, with the actual number potentially reaching as high as 30,000. Duterte denies the allegations, calling them politically motivated and questioning the ICC's jurisdiction.
The four-day hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a formal trial. The charges include his alleged role in 19 murders during his mayoral term, 14 killings of "high-value targets" while president, and 43 deaths linked to broader anti-drug operations targeting low-level offenders. Duterte, who has been detained at the ICC's prison since March, appeared via videolink during a prior hearing and remains defiant, dismissing the court's authority and accusing it of collaborating with the Philippine government.
This case represents a significant shift for Duterte, who once dismissed the ICC as irrelevant. For victims' families, such as Llore Pasco and Luzviminda Siapo, whose sons were killed in 2017, the hearings offer a rare chance for justice after years of endured suffering. Human rights advocates see this as a critical moment to hold powerholders accountable for mass killings, potentially setting a precedent for addressing similar atrocities globally.
The ICC's decision could influence how other nations handle cases of alleged crimes against humanity committed by former leaders. As the world watches, the outcome may reshape international justice frameworks and Duterte's legacy. For families like Pasco's, it is a moment to hope for truth and accountability after years of loss.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026