Rodrigo Duterte Appears for the First Time at the International Criminal Court

Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, appeared in person for the first time at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday. This appearance was due to allegations against him related to crimes against humanity during his war on drugs.

Criminal Allegations and Health Status

Duterte, who was transferred to court in March 2025, is accused of creating, financing, and arming death squads targeting drug users and dealers. He has denied these allegations, claiming that he only instructed the police to act in self-defense.

Read more: Hashim Thaci, former President of Kosovo, convicted of war crimes

During Wednesday's session, Duterte remained largely silent, and issues related to health, disclosure of documents, and the timing of the trial, which is set to begin on November 30, were discussed. His lawyers had previously stated that his declining cognitive ability has prevented him from participating in the sessions.

Concerning Reminders and Serious Allegations

In a recently released report, lawyers referred to serious reminders regarding Duterte, stating that he is unable to recall new information and cannot accurately remember the past. They also noted that Duterte mistakenly believes it is 2007 or 2008 and claims he is 84 or 85 years old.

Despite these concerns, judges ruled in January that he is physically fit for court and ordered his presence at the sessions. The allegations concerning Duterte's role in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018, when he was mayor of Davao City and then president from 2016 to 2022, are ongoing.

According to Julian Nichols, a prosecutor, "Duterte has killed his people for decades and claims he has done all this for his country. He does not deny this."

Philippine police statistics indicate that 6,200 suspects have been killed in anti-drug operations, while human rights groups and ICC prosecutors estimate the death toll to be as high as 30,000.

Randy Delos Santos, one of the victims, stated that he is happy about Duterte's presence in court and believes this could be the beginning of a process that brings justice to the victims.

Duterte is the first former president from Asia to face trial at the ICC. In 2018, he announced the Philippines' withdrawal from the court, but judges refused to dismiss the case last year on that basis.

Read more: Downing of Saudi F-15 fighter jet in Marib province, Yemen · Holding the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region