ICC prosecutors seek to introduce three more recorded testimonies in Duterte case

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 03, 2026

Photo Courtesy: ICC

Prosecutors at the International Criminal are seeking to introduce the previously recorded testimonies of three additional witnesses in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, this time focusing on alleged drug war target lists and police operations.

In a redacted application filed on November 2, Acting Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang asked Trial Chamber III to admit the statements of witnesses identified as P-1097, P-1170 and P-1318 under Rule 68 of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence.

The prosecution said the testimonies could help establish Duterte’s alleged individual criminal responsibility, particularly his involvement in identifying individuals considered high-value targets in various drug watch lists.

One witness, P-1097, reportedly discussed the alleged killings under the anti-drug campaign known as Oplan Tokhang, including the placement of warning placards on some victims.

Another witness, P-1170, reportedly described Duterte’s public accusations against certain individuals over alleged illegal drug involvement and their subsequent inclusion in the so-called PRRD list.

The third witness, P-1318, provided an account involving Operation Double Barrel and alleged police killings, including claims of staged encounters, planted evidence and cover-ups. Some portions of the testimony remain redacted.

Prosecutors maintained that the recorded statements are consistent with one another and supported by related documents. They also argued that admitting the materials would help shorten court proceedings while allowing the witnesses to undergo limited additional questioning.

Under Rule 68(3), witnesses whose previous testimonies are admitted must still appear before the Trial Chamber, provided they do not object, and remain available for questioning by the prosecution, defense and judges.

The latest application comes as the prosecution continues to submit batches of recorded witness accounts ahead of Duterte’s trial, which is scheduled to begin on November 30 in The Hague, Netherlands.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity in connection with alleged killings during his administration’s anti-drug campaign, including incidents during his time as Davao City mayor and as president.

The former president remains detained at the ICC. The court has yet to rule on the latest request.