International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang on Monday said that former President Rodrigo Duterte played a pivotal role in the commission of the crimes with which he has been charged in connection with the killings in his war on drugs.

“His contribution was essential as he was at the very heart of the common plan to neutralize alleged criminals in the Philippines, including through murders,” Niang said during his opening statement during Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing.

Duterte was not present for the hearing.

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

Niang said Duterte personally identified some of the targets, provided moral and financial support, as well as logistics support.

He said that the victims were “brutally murdered.”

“Unlike Mr. Duterte, who is represented by his counsel here today, they were deprived of any form of due process. The loss of every single one of these victims had the most profound impact on their families, their friends, and ultimately their communities,” he said.

Niang said that while the ICC could no longer reunite the victims with their loved ones, it could reveal the truth and “bring a sense of justice.”

For Niang, the commencement of the charges confirmation hearing is a reminder that people in power are not above the law.

Niang argued that the case should be confirmed for trial.

The next hearings will be on February 24, February 26, and February 27.

Based on government records, around 6,200 drug suspects were killed during the Duterte administration's anti-drug operations. Human rights organizations, however, say that the number may reach 30,000 due to the unreported related killings. 

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