The International Criminal Court (ICC) continues to process developments in the crimes against humanity case filed against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, as new applications from individuals seeking recognition as victims have been formally submitted.
In a four-page document dated February 9, the ICC Registry confirmed that it had transmitted 227 additional applications representing approximately 500 applicants to the court’s Pre-Trial Chamber 1. The submission complied with the Chamber’s earlier directive ordering the Victims Participation and Reparations Section to forward any new applications received within the designated deadline.
This latest submission adds to the growing number of individuals seeking participation in the high-profile case. Earlier, on January 26, the Chamber approved the participation of 39 victims, allowing them to present their concerns and observations during court proceedings. The court clarified that victims covered in the case include individuals affected by murders or attempted murders allegedly committed between November 1, 2011, and June 30, 2016 in or around Davao City, as well as similar incidents that occurred nationwide from June 30, 2016 to March 16, 2019 across the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the legal process continues to advance as the Chamber also ordered both the prosecution and defense teams to submit an updated list of evidence by February 13, 2026. The directive followed a request from Duterte’s defense team, which sought permission to include 78 additional pieces of evidence that may be presented during the upcoming confirmation of charges hearing.
The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled to take place from February 23 to February 27, 2026. This stage of the proceedings will determine whether sufficient evidence exists for the case to proceed to a full trial. During this process, judges will evaluate the materials and testimonies presented by both sides.
The ICC prosecutor has charged Duterte with involvement in 49 incidents of murder and attempted murder allegedly linked to anti-drug operations conducted during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president. Prosecutors have argued that these incidents represent only a portion of the alleged killings connected to the campaign.
Official government data indicates that approximately 6,200 suspected drug offenders were killed during anti-drug operations under Duterte’s administration. However, several human rights organizations claim the death toll could be significantly higher, estimating the number of fatalities may have reached as many as 30,000, including unreported and vigilante-related killings.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the growing number of victim applicants highlights the widespread attention and continued scrutiny surrounding the case, which remains one of the most closely watched international legal proceedings involving a former national leader.