International Criminal Court Charges Former Philippine President Duterte with Crimes Against Humanity
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces International Criminal Court charges for crimes against humanity, including murder, stemming from alleged killings during his tenure as Davao City mayor and president.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has charged former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with crimes against humanity, specifically murder, based on his alleged role in violent acts.
- Duterte faces accusations of instructing and authorizing violent acts, including the killing of 19 victims while he served as mayor of Davao City between 2013 and 2016.
- The charges also encompass 14 deaths from targeted killings and the killings of 43 people during clearance operations that occurred during his presidency from 2016 to 2018.
- Philippine authorities arrested former President Duterte in March on a warrant issued by the ICC, leading to his detention for these serious crimes against humanity charges.
- Former President Duterte is currently being held at an ICC facility located in the Netherlands, awaiting proceedings related to the detailed court charges.
Report issue

Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the detailed ICC charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with a focus on factual reporting. They present the allegations, the legal process, and relevant reactions without employing loaded language or overt editorial bias. The coverage prioritizes clarity and comprehensive reporting of the court's revelations and the ongoing legal proceedings.
Articles (3)
Center (2)
FAQ
Rodrigo Duterte is charged with crimes against humanity, specifically murder, related to his alleged role in authorizing violent acts resulting in the killing of 19 victims as Davao City mayor (2013–2016), 14 targeted killings, and 43 deaths during clearance operations as president (2016–2018).
Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, by the Philippine National Police and Interpol at Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon returning from a political rally in Hong Kong, under an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity. He was then detained at Villamor Air Base before being transferred to the Netherlands.
Rodrigo Duterte is currently being held at an International Criminal Court facility in the Netherlands, awaiting trial proceedings related to the crimes against humanity charges filed against him.
Duterte’s arrest occurred amid an escalating political feud between the Marcos and Duterte families in the Philippines, and is considered a precedent-setting event as he is the first Asian leader and first Philippine president to be arrested and face trial at the ICC.
Rumors suggested Duterte sought political asylum in China, but his daughter Sara Duterte clarified that he had no contact with Chinese officials during his stay before his arrest.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.


