After years of waiting, victims of the Philippines’ deadly war on drugs say they are finally ready to confront former president Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC). The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025, in The Hague, Netherlands.
For families who lost loved ones in the thousands of killings linked to Duterte’s campaign, the upcoming proceedings represent a rare chance to demand accountability.
“The victims are prepared to confront Duterte and the painful memories of killings and abuses under his rule,” said lawyer Neri Colmenares, legal counsel for the network Rise Up for Life and for Rights.
The ICC judges will review whether the charges against Duterte — including crimes against humanity — should proceed to trial. Prosecutors are expected to present two witnesses, while Duterte’s defense team has said it will not call its own, instead questioning the strength of the case and pointing to possible “obstacles” in the process.
Victims’ groups warned that such tactics could be meant to delay or derail the hearing. Colmenares insisted that the international community has a stake in seeing the process move forward. “We thirst for truth and accountability. This is a rare opportunity for justice, not just for a few, but for the many,” he said.
Under ICC procedures, victims are also allowed to formally join the case through applications, giving them a direct role in the historic proceedings.
