The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I on Monday started the confirmation of charges hearings in the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with the killings under his war on drugs.

The ICC Prosecutor has charged Duterte with 3 counts of crimes against humanity (murder and attempted murder) while implementing his anti-narcotics campaign.

“I would like to remind the public that the charges… comprise allegations raised by the Office of the Prosecutor. That the chamber shall decide, that shall analyze in order to decide whether the evidence presented by the OCP is sufficient for these charges to be confirmed,” said Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc.

The murders in Count 1 were allegedly perpetrated by members of the DDS in or around Davao City between 2013 and around 2016 while Duterte was mayor of Davao City and head of the DDS. These covers 19 victims alleged to be criminals, including 3 children.

Meanwhile, the murders in count 2 were allegedly perpetrated by members of the “National Network” across the Philippines during his presidency between 2016 and 2017. This covers 14 victims labelled as “high-value targets.”

Under Count 3, the alleged murders and attempted murders were perpetrated by members of the National Network inlocations across the country during his presidency between 2016 and 2018. This covers 45 victims.

“At this stage of pre-trial proceedings, the OGP alleges that Mr. Duterte is responsible for the crimes… the Chamber shall not take any decision with regard to the guilt or innocence of Mr. Duterte during this hearing,” Motoc said.

“Indeed, the role of the Chamber is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Mr. Duterte committed the crimes with which he is charged,” she added. 

Motoc said that if all or part of the charges are confirmed, the Chamber will refer the case to trial.

The Trial Chamber will then decide on Duterte’s innocence or guilt.

Duterte was not present during the hearing. He was represented by his counsel, Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, and others.

Kaufman said Filipino lawyers Salvador Medialdea, Martin Delgra, Silvestro Bello III, Alfredo Lim, Cesar Dulay, and Salvador Panelo were present to express their support. The next hearings will be on February 24, February 26, and February 27.

(With reports from Joahna Lei Casilao, GMA Integrated News)