ICC grants prosecutors partial access to Duterte arrest materials ahead of trial

04/07/2026

HAGUE, Jul 4: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has granted prosecutors partial access to materials obtained during the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as preparations continue for his crimes against humanity trial later this year.

In a redacted ruling released on Friday, the ICC approved prosecutors' request to examine two items in the court's custody, saying they could contain evidence relevant to the case. The specific items were not identified in the public version of the decision. However, judges rejected a request to inspect the keys taken into custody following Duterte's arrest and transfer to The Hague.

The reading of charges is scheduled for Nov. 30, marking the start of Duterte's trial. Prosecutors must submit their trial brief, witness list and documentary evidence by Aug. 31, while legal representatives for victims have until Sept. 28 to file their submissions.

Duterte, 80, has been held at the ICC detention facility in The Hague since March and faces three counts of crimes against humanity over killings linked to his anti-drug campaign between 2011 and 2019.