Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court renewed their call for Philippine police officers and other law enforcement personnel to testify in The Hague, Netherlands, in connection with the court’s ongoing investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign.
The ICC Office of the Prosecutor issued an advisory inviting individuals with direct or indirect knowledge of the alleged crimes, including operations and command structures during the antidrug campaign, to provide information through secure and confidential channels.
The advisory identified potential witnesses as current and former members of the Philippine National Police, other law enforcement agencies, and individuals with knowledge of the planning, execution, or aftermath of antidrug operations carried out during Duterte’s term.
The Office of the Prosecutor said the investigation covers alleged crimes against humanity related to killings in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, spanning part of Duterte’s tenure as Davao City mayor and his presidency.
Prosecutors said the inquiry examines incidents connected to the so-called “war on drugs,” including police operations, vigilante-style killings, and other acts that may fall under the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The advisory noted that witnesses may submit information in writing, electronically, or through legal representatives. Prosecutors said they would assess the relevance and credibility of all submissions.
The Office of the Prosecutor said it seeks documentary evidence, operational records, internal communications, photographs, videos, and other materials that could corroborate accounts of alleged unlawful killings and related abuses.
Prosecutors also invited families of victims, medical personnel, local officials, journalists, and civil society groups who documented or directly observed incidents linked to the antidrug campaign to provide information.
The ICC said the investigation proceeds under the Rome Statute, which defines the court’s jurisdiction and outlines elements of crimes against humanity, including murder committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.
The Office of the Prosecutor said it acts under prior authorizations from ICC judges, who allowed the reopening and continuation of the investigation after earlier proceedings. Prosecutors said they will continue to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence and may seek additional judicial authorizations based on information received from witnesses.
The ICC did not set a deadline for submissions but urged potential witnesses to contact the Office of the Prosecutor as soon as possible through the official channels detailed in the advisory.
