The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has asserted that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte played a direct role in ordering killings during his administration's anti-drug campaign. This campaign, which spanned from 2011 to 2019, has been responsible for thousands of deaths, highlighting concerns over human rights violations in the Philippines. The prosecutor's accusations suggest that specific individuals were targeted for murder by Duterte's directives, raising the potential for serious charges against him, including crimes against humanity.

As the hearings commenced in The Hague, Duterte, who is now 80 years old, opted not to attend the proceedings despite a judge determining he was fit to participate. His absence has been interpreted in various ways, including as an indication of his disinterest or fear of facing the judicial process. The hearings, which are expected to last a week, will ultimately decide if formal charges will be brought against Duterte, with a decision anticipated to be made within the next two months.

Duterte’s legal counsel has publicly denied the allegations against him, stating that the former president contests all claims brought forward by the ICC. The outcome of these proceedings could have significant implications for international law and the accountability of leaders for human rights abuses, especially in nations where an independent judiciary is compromised. The international community now watches closely as this high-profile case unfolds, potentially marking a pivotal moment in the fight against impunity for crimes committed by state actors.