Duterte Appears at ICC Hearing Ahead of Trial

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, 81, appeared at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for a hearing concerning his health and ability to stand trial. The trial, scheduled to commence on November 30, relates to charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his anti-drug campaign. Duterte was seen in a black suit and white shirt inside the courtroom before the judges arrived, according to GMA News stringer Andy Penafuerte III. This marks his first in-person appearance at an ICC hearing. He has been in ICC custody in The Hague since his arrest in Manila on March 11, 2025, having previously attended two status conferences via video conferencing. Seated behind his defense team, Duterte appeared to be listening intently during the livestreamed proceedings. The hearing addressed preparations for his trial, including the prosecution's witnesses and evidence, disclosure of materials to the defense, additional alleged incidents, and the proposed trial schedule. The former president faces three counts of crimes against humanity over alleged killings linked to his anti-drug campaign and other operations during his time as Davao City mayor and Philippine president. The ICC confirmed these charges in April 2026, allowing the case to proceed to trial. Duterte has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that killings during the drug war were carried out by police in self-defense. Prosecutors allege that up to 30,000 people may have been killed, while official police records state about 6,200 suspects were killed in police operations. Information Source: GMA News Philippines