Philippines’ Duterte bragged about drug war killings as ‘bodies piled up’: ICC prosecutor
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte stands accused of personally compiling "death lists" and proudly boasting about the killings carried out during his so-called war on drugs. According to ICC prosecutor Edward Jeremy, these allegations were presented during a crimes against humanity hearing, marking the second day of proceedings against Duterte. The prosecutor alleged that Duterte not only ordered extrajudicial executions but also took pride in publicizing the names of those he targeted. Among the shocking details shared were accounts of children being subjected to brutal killings, including one instance where a child's head was wrapped in packing tape before being strangled to death.
Duterte's drug war, which began during his presidency, has been widely criticized for its lack of due process and its heavy-handed approach. The scale of violence reported is staggering, with thousands of lives lost under the policy. Duterte's alleged direct involvement, including creating lists of individuals marked for execution, further implicates him in these atrocities. The ICC prosecutor also highlighted how Duterte used his position to legitimize and escalate the violence, often speaking openly about his role in the killings.
The case against Duterte has drawn significant international attention, with many questioning the Philippines' commitment to human rights. If convicted, this could set a precedent for holding former leaders accountable for crimes committed during their tenure. The allegations also raise broader concerns about the use of military and police forces in addressing drug issues, potentially influencing how other nations approach similar challenges. For readers interested in global
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/24/2026