Today, 23 April 2026, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "the Court") unanimously confirmed all the charges comprised of three counts of crimes against humanity brought by the Prosecutor against Rodrigo Roa Duterte and committed him to trial before a Trial Chamber.
Pre-Trial Chamber I concluded that there are substantial grounds to believe that Mr Duterte is responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder, pursuant to article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute (ICC's founding treaty). These crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population on the territory of the Republic of the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019 in the context of the "war on drugs" campaign.
Pre-Trial Chamber I based its decision on the evidence and arguments presented by the Prosecutor and the Defence during the confirmation of charges hearing from 23 to 27 February 2026, as well as on the submissions and documents of the parties and participants, including participating victims.
Next steps: Upon the transfer of the case to a Trial Chamber, the Trial Chamber will decide on the next steps. Trials at the ICC are fair and impartial, and the Defence will have sufficient time to prepare its case, while respecting the rights of victims.
Public redacted version of 'Decision on the confirmation of charges against Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte'
Questions and Answers on the confirmation of charges decision
Background: Following a request by the Office of the Prosecutor, the warrant of arrest against Mr Duterte was issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I as "Secret" on 7 March 2025 and reclassified as "Public" on 11 March 2025. On 12 March 2025, Mr Duterte was surrendered to the ICC. The initial appearance of Mr Duterte took place on 14 March 2025. The confirmation of charges hearing took place from 23 to 27 February 2026 before Pre-Trial Chamber I, composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc and Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera. Statements and submissions were presented by the Prosecutor, the Defence and the Common Legal Representatives of the Victims. The hearing took place in the absence of the suspect following the Chamber granting Mr Duterte's request to waive his right to attend it.
For further information on the case, click here.
