The International Criminal Court said a plan to “neutralize” suspected criminals in the Philippines from 2011 to 2019 was allegedly widespread and organized, according to a document containing charges against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The document covers the period from Nov. 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, when Duterte served as mayor of Davao City and later as president. Prosecutors accused him of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, allegedly carried out as part of an attack against civilians.
According to the filing, Duterte allegedly designed the policy, ordered hitmen, and promised protection and immunity to those involved in the killings. The document also identified alleged co-perpetrators, including Sen. Ronald dela Rosa and several former chiefs of the Philippine National Police.
Prosecutors cited a “common plan” to implement the killings over several years. The charges list 19 murders in Davao City from 2013 to 2016 and 14 murders of alleged high-value targets from 2016 to 2017. The filing also cites 45 victims nationwide from 2016 to 2018, including 43 murders and two attempted murders.
The ICC said it will hold a confirmation of charges hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
