ICC prosecution says 2,279 items of evidence vs. Rodrigo Duterte 'incriminating'

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors disclosed that they have in their possession a total of 2,279 pieces of evidence that were classified as "incriminating" in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The items were among the 6,909 pieces of evidence revealed by the prosecution team ahead of Duterte's trial in November 2026.

According to a notification from the prosecution dated August 5, the panel disclosed the evidence according to the court’s rules.

“Between 7 January and 31 July 2026, the Prosecution disclosed to the Defence 6,909 items of evidence,” the notification read.

Out of these, 2,279 were classified as “incriminating,” which generally pertains to evidence that could prove the accused guilty.

Meanwhile, 4,573 pieces of evidence were "classified" under Rule 77. Items under this rule are tangible evidence that the defense must be allowed to research on its own time. This would include books, documents, pictures, and more.

The prosecution also submitted 57 pieces of evidence that are "potentially exonerating."

Among the incriminating evidence against Duterte include proof that aimed to establish contextual elements, modes of liability, and more.

The ICC prosecution also listed evidence about barangay clearance operations during the drug war, as well as the Davao Death Squad.

Evidence listed under Rule 77 mostly included items that provide contextual elements for background information.

For items that are potentially exonerating, prosecutors listed six items, including information that would undermine the credibility of a witness. The remaining 51 items have information that could suggest a line of defense.

The notice was signed by ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang.

GMA News Online reached out to Duterte's camp, through lawyer Salvador Panelo, for their side and will update the story once the reply is available.

Duterte’s main trial is set to begin on November 30.

On April 23, 2026, the ICC confirmed the charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte in connection with the killings in his war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and when he was President.

Duterte's lawyer said the defense will prove during the trial before the International Criminal Court that the supposed state policy to kill suspects in his administration's war on drugs was "complete fiction."

Before the confirmation of charges, Duterte's camp submitted additional evidence to the ICC, which it said was “highly relevant to the charges and necessary for any meaningful submissions” by the defense during the proceedings.

The former president is detained at the ICC for crimes against humanity in relation to the bloody war on drugs, which killed at least 6,000 people. Human rights groups estimate that the number could reach as high as 30,000.—LDF, GMA News