ICC judges deny request to free former Philippine President Duterte

Appeals judges on Wednesday determined that the International Criminal Court holds jurisdiction over former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, rejecting an attempt to dismiss his trial concerning his alleged significant involvement in the murder of thousands.

Families of the victims who were watching the proceedings from the Philippines expressed their joy when the court verdict was announced. Duterte, currently in detention at the ICC in The Hague since his arrest in March 2025, was absent from court.

In 2018, the Philippines officially withdrew its membership from the ICC, with Duterte’s defense contending that this action rendered the court without jurisdiction over the case.

The appeals judges upheld a lower court ruling allowing the case to proceed and dismissed the defense’s requests for the immediate release of the 81-year-old former president.

The ruling stated that the initiation of a preliminary examination, which serves as a precursor to a formal investigation, prior to the Philippines’ withdrawal from membership, was sufficient to establish ongoing jurisdiction regarding the alleged crimes.

Prosecutors allege that Duterte established, financed, and equipped death squads to identify and eliminate suspected narcotics dealers and users during his tenure from 2016 to 2022.

Duterte has consistently maintained that he directed police to use lethal force solely in self-defense and has continually upheld the justification for the crackdown.

As the verdict was announced, applause erupted from the families of the victims who had assembled at a Philippine university to witness the proceedings. Some called out, “Hold Duterte accountable.”

“No one is above the law, even Duterte,” stated Nanette Castillo, whose son was killed during the brutal campaign.