The prosecution at the International Criminal Court has asked the Trial Chamber III to admit previously recorded testimonies of three witnesses to support its allegation that former president Rodrigo Duterte bears individual criminal responsibility for killings carried out under his drug war, including the targeting of people on police drug watch lists and those classified as high-value targets.
In its latest filing, the prosecution identified the witnesses as P-1097, P-1170 and P-1318, saying their accounts and supporting evidence would establish the Philippine National Police’s role in implementing Duterte’s anti-drug campaign and the alleged methods used to carry out and conceal killings.
“Each witness will attest to their accuracy, be present in court, and available for examination by the parties, the chamber, and the CLRV,” the prosecution said.
The prosecution is seeking admission of the witnesses’ previously recorded statements, interview transcripts and related documents they used or explained during their interviews.
The witnesses themselves are expected to appear in court to authenticate the material and undergo examination by the parties and the chamber.
Among the evidence covered by the filing, P-1097’s recorded account describes Tokhang operations as involving killings rather than the purported “knock and plead” visits. The witness also discussed the placement of warning placards beside some victims.
P-1170’s evidence concerns names of individuals whom Duterte publicly accused of illegal drug use and whose names appeared on the so-called “PRRD list.”
P-1318’s recorded testimony, meanwhile, describes alleged police efforts to conceal drug war killings by portraying victims as having fought back, or nanlaban, planting evidence and covering up the circumstances of the deaths.
The prosecution also requested a specified number of hours for supplementary questioning of each witness when they take the stand, although the proposed examination periods were redacted from the filing.
Duterte’s trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 30, with hearings set daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Manila time) until Dec. 18. Proceedings will resume on Jan. 11 and continue until the court takes its Easter break.
