International Criminal Court prosecutors have alleged that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte exercised direct control and provided financial support for widespread killings carried out during his administration’s anti-narcotics campaign.
During a confirmation of charges hearing on Monday, which Duterte did not attend, ICC Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang argued that the former president personally identified targets and funded operations linked to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS).
Niang told the court that Duterte played a crucial role in efforts to “neutralize” alleged criminals in the Philippines through lethal means. According to the prosecution, individuals who carried out the killings received not only their regular salaries but also cash payments for each person killed. The payments, prosecutors claimed, were driven by fear, rewards, or unwavering loyalty to Duterte.
The prosecutor also pointed to what he described as Duterte’s complete authority over the campaign, noting that incidents of killings reportedly declined when the former president ordered the suspension of operations on two separate occasions.
Duterte is facing three counts of crimes against humanity before the ICC, primarily over allegations that victims were deprived of due process during the government’s drug war.
Philippine government records show that about 6,200 people were killed in anti-drug operations. However, human rights groups estimate the death toll could be as high as 30,000.
The confirmation of charges hearings are scheduled to continue on February 24, 26, and 27.
