ICC Has Evidence Related to Duterte Drug War Case

ICC Prosecutors Have Presented Over 1,300 Pieces of Evidence in Duterte Drug War Case

Contrary to circulating claims that the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks evidence against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, court records reveal that prosecutors have already disclosed more than 1,300 items of evidence to Duterte’s defense team.

Recent social media posts suggesting the ICC’s renewed call for witnesses indicates an absence of evidence have gained significant traction online. One Facebook reel, which has garnered over 261,000 views, claimed: “There is no evidence against [former president] Digong, so the prosecutor and ICC are still looking for witnesses and evidence.”

However, official court documents dated December 24, 2025, show the ICC Office of the Prosecutor has shared 1,303 pieces of evidence with Duterte’s defense between July and December 2025. Of these, 906 items are classified as incriminating, documenting murders during barangay clearance operations and killings of high-value targets during Duterte’s presidency.

The evidence was substantial enough for the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I to issue an arrest warrant for Duterte in March 2025. In the warrant, the chamber stated there were “reasonable grounds to believe” that the former president was “individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder.” The prosecution had submitted 181 pieces of evidence as the basis for this warrant.

Beyond documentary evidence, the prosecution has also secured key witness testimony. In September 2025, former justice secretary and current Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that retired police colonel Royina Garma had agreed to testify against Duterte. Garma is expected to provide critical testimony about the “Davao Model,” a reported system of incentives for drug-related killings, and Duterte’s alleged direct involvement in this system. Remulla has previously indicated that three to four witnesses are expected to testify against the former president.

Legal experts explain that the ICC’s recent call for additional witnesses does not signify insufficient evidence against Duterte. Kristina Conti, an ICC-accredited assistant to counsel, clarified that seeking more witnesses is part of the prosecution’s thorough investigative process to strengthen their case.

“The call for witnesses is part of standard procedure to ensure the most comprehensive case possible,” Conti explained. “Until the investigation phase is formally closed and a final report issued, the ICC prosecutor will continue gathering evidence to determine who is ‘most responsible’ for crimes against humanity.”

The ICC’s witness appeal specifically urged members of the Philippine National Police and other first-hand observers to provide testimonies regarding the drug war. The court recently launched a dedicated microsite in 2024 to facilitate these witness appeals.

Duterte remains in ICC custody after his request for interim release was rejected in November 2025. The case continues to develop as one of the most significant international criminal prosecutions involving a former head of state in recent years.

The progression of the case highlights the ICC’s mandate to prosecute crimes against humanity when domestic judicial systems are unwilling or unable to do so. The court’s methodical evidence-gathering process reflects its commitment to thorough investigation before proceeding with prosecution of high-profile international cases.