Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on Wednesday, as he faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his widely criticized “war on drugs.” The 81-year-old, who was arrested and transferred to the ICC in March 2025, has been accused by prosecutors of orchestrating a campaign that led to dozens of extrajudicial killings between 2013 and 2018, including the alleged creation and support of death squads targeting drug users and dealers. Duterte denies the allegations, asserting that police actions were conducted in self-defense during his administration’s anti-drug operations.
Prior to this hearing, Duterte had participated only via video link and had missed several sessions, with his legal team citing health concerns, including cognitive decline and significant memory impairment, which they argued rendered him unfit to attend or stand trial. The defense submitted medical assessments suggesting that Duterte suffers from serious memory loss, struggles to recall recent events, and at times believes he is living several years in the past. Despite these claims, judges earlier this year determined that Duterte was sufficiently healthy to proceed and require his presence during court proceedings.
At Wednesday’s status hearing, Duterte appeared dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, remaining silent throughout the session, which lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes. He did not speak but briefly waved to supporters in the public gallery after the judge left the courtroom. The session focused on procedural matters, including reviewing evidence disclosure and scheduling final preparations ahead of the trial’s anticipated start on November 30. Judge Joanna Korner, presiding over the case, noted that Duterte could leave the courtroom at any time without permission but chose to stay for the entire hearing.
Legal teams debated the volume of evidence, with prosecutors submitting about 15,000 pieces of documentation, while the defense claimed more than 62,000 documents had been presented, describing the volume as overwhelming and a challenge to review before trial. The judge cautioned the prosecution against “wholesale dumping” of materials and encouraged cooperation to streamline the case file.
The ICC’s investigation began in 2018, amid allegations that during Duterte’s tenure—first as mayor of Davao City and then as president—the drug campaign resulted in thousands of deaths. Official Philippine police reports cite over 6,000 killings, while human rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 30,000. Relatives of victims welcomed Duterte’s court appearance, expressing hope that his physical presence would advance the proceedings. In Manila, some supporters of the court’s activities gathered to call for justice for those killed during the crackdown.
Duterte’s case is notable as he is the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC, a court established to prosecute serious international crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The trial, set to begin in late November, could extend over months or years. Meanwhile, other individuals associated with the drug campaign, including former national police chief Ronald Marapon dela Rosa, remain at large amid ICC arrest warrants and have been involved in controversial incidents in the Philippines.