ICC Confirms Jurisdiction and Charges in Duterte Drug War Case
The International Criminal Court has confirmed its jurisdiction over a case involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war. Victims' families expressed hope following the decisions. The rulings mark a step toward potential trial for alleged crimes.
manilatimes.netThe following day, on April 23, 2026, the ICC's pre-trial chamber confirmed all charges in the case, paving the way for a trial.
Domingo, whose son Gabriel and common-law husband Luis Bonifacio were killed by police in Caloocan City in 2016, stated that she feels hope after the ICC decisions. She noted the difficulty of achieving justice in the Philippine system, where a conviction in her case took eight years.
Domingo said, "Siguro isang pasasalamat na marinig na ito na ’yung hustisya. " Nanette Castillo, whose son Aldrin was killed by masked vigilantes in 2017, has been involved in advocacy for drug war victims. She works at a cafe in Cubao that provides livelihood to affected families.
Castillo shared experiences of ongoing family grief during occasions.
The case stems from events during Duterte's presidency, including the 2016 killings of Domingo's family members, for which four police officers were convicted of homicide in 2024. In November 2024, Duterte appeared before a House quad committee, where he admitted teaching police to goad suspects to fight.
" The killing of Kian delos Santos prompted public uproar at the time. Purisima Dacumos, another victim relative, said she is no longer scared and views the fight as one shared by many. Families have faced harassment and intimidation while seeking justice domestically.
The ICC case proceeds despite calls from Duterte's supporters for domestic trials. Victims' relatives have attended congressional hearings and advocated for years, often without acknowledgment. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV was involved in a near-confrontation with Duterte during the 2024 House session.
