Duterte’s initial appearance at the ICC 14 March (Friday) 9 p.m. (Manila time)

Authorities of the Republic of the Philippines (“the Philippines”) arrested Mr Duterte in accordance with an arrest warrant Pre-Trial Chamber I (“the Chamber”) issued under seal on 7 March 2025. He was surrendered to the custody of the ICC on 12 March 2025.

Mr Duterte is suspected of murder qualified as a crime against humanity, allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019. During this time, Mr Duterte was, at varying times, the President of the Philippines, the Mayor of Davao City, and, allegedly, the head of the Davao Death Squad.

During the initial appearance hearing, the judges will verify the identity of the suspect and the language in which he is able to follow the proceedings. He will be informed of the charges against him and of his rights under the ICC Rome Statute. Pre-Trial Chamber I is composed of Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc (Presiding judge) and Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera.

Decision convening a hearing for the first appearance of Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Webstreaming of the hearing:

The hearing can be followed in English and French on the ICC website with a 30-minute delay.

Attending the hearing:

• Members of the diplomatic corps and civil society and other members of the public can request attendance via email to: ICCVisits@icc-cpi.int before 14 March at 11:00 AM (The Hague local time). Attendees must present a valid passport or valid ID with a photo at the main entrance of the Court (at: Oude Waalsdorperweg 10, 2597 AK The Hague).
• Journalists wishing to cover the hearing can request accreditation via email to: PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int before 14 March at 11:00 AM (The Hague local time). All journalists must present a valid press card, and a valid passport or valid ID with a photo, at the main entrance of the Court (at: Oude Waalsdorperweg 10, 2597 AK The Hague).

The number of visitors in the public gallery is limited. The principle ‘first come, first served’ will be applied. Individuals who have not received a confirmation in advance of the hearing will not be granted access to the building. Those attending are advised to arrive 20 minutes in advance before the hearing starts.

AV materials:
Images of the hearing will be available for download on an FTP server in video (MPEG-4) and audio (MPEG-3) format, and for viewing on the official ICC YouTube Channel.

Photographs of the hearing will be available on the ICC Flickr account. For information on audio-visual matters, please contact PublicAffairs.unit@icc-cpi.int