THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International Criminal Court officials announced Wednesday that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face trial for crimes against humanity beginning November 30.
Prosecutors allege the former president bears responsibility for dozens of killings, claiming he directed fatal anti-narcotics operations during his time as mayor of Davao, a southern Philippine city, and throughout his presidency.
“The expediency of the trial is of the upmost importance,” presiding Judge Joanna Korner said, rejecting requests from the registry of the court to delay the start date over concerns about a lack of translators.
Duterte, who held the presidency between 2016 and 2022, was taken into custody in the Philippines last year and transported to The Hague, where the international court operates. He maintains his innocence regarding all accusations.
Korner called on court personnel to guarantee translation services would be provided for Philippine languages, including Tagalog. The court’s official languages are English and French.
Death toll figures from Duterte’s time in office differ significantly, ranging from over 6,000 according to national police records to as many as 30,000 as reported by human rights organizations.
Duterte has chosen not to attend any court proceedings, having waived his right to be present. Judges determined last month that he was mentally competent to face trial, after an earlier session was postponed due to health concerns.
This month, the court made public an arrest warrant for Ronald Marapon dela Rosa, who headed the national police under Duterte and assisted in implementing his anti-drug campaigns that resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily among minor offenders.
Dela Rosa has disappeared after a confrontation at the country’s Senate building that involved gunshots. Philippine officials are searching for him and have promised to surrender him to the court.
