ICC prosecutors submit witness accounts linking Duterte to alleged drug war killings

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 17, 2026

Photo Courtesy: ICC

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have asked judges to admit previously recorded testimonies from five witnesses in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, citing their accounts of alleged killings during the administration’s anti-drug campaign.

In a filing dated October 16, the prosecution sought to introduce the testimonies of witnesses identified as P-1087, P-1151, P-1158, P-1161 and P-1204. Their accounts reportedly cover police operations, the implementation of Oplan Double Barrel, the use of the so-called “PRRD List” of suspected drug personalities and public statements by Duterte.

The prosecution argued that the testimonies are relevant and reliable, saying they could help establish the alleged policy behind the killings under investigation. It also asked the court to allow limited follow-up questioning of the witnesses to reduce the time needed for their direct examinations.

According to the filing, one witness questioned the accuracy of police reports on deaths during operations and described how the killings allegedly became normalized. The testimony also discussed how the PRRD List may have contributed to a sense of impunity among police officers.

Another witness reportedly described alleged killings involving police personnel, the operation of Oplan Double Barrel and a purported reward system in which officers were allegedly paid for carrying out killings. The account also covered Duterte’s appointments of officials whom prosecutors consider relevant to their allegations.

Oplan Double Barrel was the Philippine National Police’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, which included the barangay-level Oplan Tokhang and operations targeting high-value drug suspects.

The prosecution’s latest request follows an earlier application seeking to introduce the prior recorded testimonies of three other witnesses. Both requests aim to streamline the proceedings while allowing the prosecution to present evidence supporting its allegations.

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to killings during his anti-drug campaign. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and the prosecution’s submissions do not by themselves establish guilt.

The ICC judges will decide whether the five witnesses’ recorded accounts can be admitted as evidence in the case.