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The prosecution in the crimes against humanity case of former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court intends to present five witnesses who will testify at this year’s trial that will start on Nov. 30.
Their testimonies concern alleged murders by Philippine National Police members in Central Luzon and a policy to “neutralize through violent crimes, including murder, alleged criminals in the Philippines,” according to the filing.
The charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte submitted by the prosecution in July 2025 and confirmed in April 2026 remain without changes as the Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court rejected the motion of the defense counsel to refile them.
COMMENTARY: As the Duterte trial begins next month on November 30, his family and supporters will be assured of a court of law capable of unbiased and accessible justice.
The International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III released Thursday, Oct.8, its decision made on Sept. 28 that former president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial.
In a response dated Oct. 5, acting Prosecutor Maame Mandaye Niang opposed the defense request to reduce the prosecution’s disclosed evidence from 62,130 items to 10,000, saying that doing so would require the removal of a dataset highly relevant to the case.
In a 15-page decision, Trial Chamber III approved the prosecution’s request to admit the prior recorded testimony of a witness identified as P-1100, who allegedly has knowledge of the “neutralization policy” and the Davao Death Squad.
The International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III has rejected the defense’s motion to require expert reports for digital evidence submitted by prosecutors in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, saying the requirement could cause “needless delay” to the start of the trial.
The prosecution at the International Criminal Court has urged Trial Chamber III to dismiss a defense motion challenging the addition of eight incidents to its trial brief in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The defense of former president Rodrigo Duterte has asked the International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III to reject a prior statement by a witness who allegedly has knowledge of the “neutralization policy” and the modus operandi of the Davao Death Squad.
