The prosecution in the case of former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court has requested the admission of previously recorded testimonies of seven more witnesses, less than two months before the scheduled trial opening on Nov. 30.
The requests were contained in separate applications signed by acting Prosecutor Maame Mandaye Niang.
In an Oct. 21 application, prosecutors asked the Trial Chamber III judges to accept the prior recorded testimonies of witnesses identified as P-0008, P-1164, P-1303. The testimonies consist of witness interviews and related materials they used or explained during the interview.
According to the prosecution, the witnesses have evidence about multiple murders allegedly committed by the police under Count 3 of the charge against Duterte, which covers killings and attempted killings in barangay-level clearance operations during his presidential term.
A filing dated Oct. 23 also requested the trial chamber judges to accept the transcribed statements and associated materials from witnesses listed as P-1155, P-1156, and P-1157.
Their testimonies, also classified under Count 3 of the charges, were described by the prosecution as “relevant, reliable and probative.”
P-1155 and P-1156 further provided direct evidence on the actual murders, as well as Duterte’s individual criminal responsibility and intent, the filing said.
P-1155 also has alleged proof of the motives for targeting the victims, the “orders from above”, and reward system for the killings.
Expert report
On the same day, the prosecution filed a separate application seeking to introduce a report provided by an expert anonymously listed as P-1400.
P-1400 is among the five witnesses that the prosecution intends to present at the trial this year.
Without identifying the profession, the prosecution said P-1400’s expert report and 15 associated items cover topics relevant to the case and “will assist the chamber in its determination of the truth.”
The prosecution requested two hours to conduct a supplementary examination when P-1400 appears at trial.
Meanwhile, the requested hours for its in-person examination for the other witnesses were redacted in the documents.
The prosecution maintained throughout the submitted applications that the defense, the trial judges, and common legal representatives of victims will have the opportunity to question the witnesses live at court.
They added that granting the requests will expedite the proceedings at trial.
The first phase of Duterte’s trial is scheduled to open on Nov. 30 and will continue until Dec. 18. The hearings are expected to resume in January through March before the court takes Easter break.
