Philippines: Rodrigo Duterte faces ICC over deadly drug war
Deutsche Welle
February 25, 2026
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The former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing a potential trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for his controversial "war on drugs," which has been linked to thousands of deaths. The ICC accuses him of crimes against humanity, alleging he was an indirect accomplice in systematic killings during his tenure. Investigators are examining at least 78 cases of murder and attempted murder, including the 2016 killing of Paquito Mejos, a drug suspect who was shot by police after being turned in by authorities. Despite Duterte's claim that up to 7,000 deaths were due to police operations targeting criminals, international organizations estimate the toll could be as high as 30,000.
Duterte's "war on drugs" began during his time as mayor of Davao, where he earned a reputation for cracking down on crime with a zero-tolerance policy. This approach included collaborating with death squads responsible for over 1,400 extrajudicial killings between 1998 and 2015. While this made him popular in Davao, human rights groups condemned the violence. As president, Duterte escalated the campaign nationwide, targeting not only drug dealers but also users and innocent bystanders.
The case against Duterte marks a significant milestone as it could make him the first former Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC. The court is currently conducting preliminary proceedings to determine if there's sufficient evidence for a main trial, with a decision expected by May 2026. This case highlights the global debate over tough-on-crime policies and their human rights implications. Duterte's defenders argue that his methods reduced crime and improved safety in the Philippines, but critics warn of the long-term consequences of unchecked police brutality.
The ICC's investigation also sheds light on the broader issue of accountability for mass killings linked to state-sponsored campaigns. While the Philippine government has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, international pressure continues to mount. Human rights advocates hope this case will bring justice to the victims of Duterte's drug war and set a precedent for addressing similar violations worldwide.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/25/2026