Rodrigo Duterte ICC case: 6,909 evidence items disclosed

Prosecutors in the International Criminal Court (ICC) have disclosed 6,909 evidence items to the defense team of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. This disclosure occurred during the first seven months of the year, specifically between January 7 and July 31, as preparations continue for his trial scheduled for November.

The evidence is categorized into several types: 4,573 items are classified as “Rule 77 evidence,” which includes tangible materials and contextual background information for the defense to inspect. Of the remaining items, 2,279 are described as “incriminating,” while 57 are labeled as “potentially exonerating.”

The incriminating evidence pertains to allegations that Duterte masterminded a “common plan” during his anti-narcotics campaign, known as the war on drugs. This includes evidence related to murders in barangay-level operations, high-value targets, and the activities of the Davao Death Squad (DDS). The potentially exonerating items include information that could undermine witness credibility or suggest specific lines of defense.