MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution has disclosed 6,909 items to the defense of former president Rodrigo Duterte, including 2,279 pieces it classified as incriminating evidence, as preparations continue for his trial over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.
In a notification filed on Aug. 5, 2026 but only made public on Thursday, the Office of the Prosecutor said it disclosed the materials to Duterte's legal team between Jan. 7 and July 31.
Of the 6,909 items, 4,573 were classified as Rule 77 evidence, consisting of tangible materials that the defense may inspect and use in preparing for trial. Another 2,279 items were classified as incriminating evidence, while 57 were identified as potentially exonerating evidence.
The incriminating materials cover the period from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, encompassing Duterte's tenure as mayor of Davao City and his presidency.
The evidence concerns allegations covered by the ICC case, including killings linked to anti-drug operations, the targeting of alleged high-value individuals and activities attributed by prosecutors to the Davao Death Squad.
The latest disclosure is among the largest batches of materials turned over to Duterte's defense since his arrest and transfer to ICC custody in March 2025.
The prosecution previously disclosed 181 items containing almost 3,000 pages of evidence shortly after Duterte's arrest. This was followed by 421 documentary items and nearly 16 hours of audio-visual material, as well as at least 1,303 additional items disclosed between July and December 2025.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity in connection with alleged killings committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians during his time as Davao City mayor and president.
The charges were confirmed by ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I in April 2026, allowing the case to proceed to trial.
Trial Chamber III, headed by Judge Iulia Motoc, is scheduled to begin Duterte's trial on Nov. 30, 2026. The chamber has scheduled status conferences ahead of the proceedings, including one on Sept. 7.
The prosecution is also required to submit its finalized trial brief by Aug. 31.
The chamber has cautioned both parties against litigating the case in public, saying proceedings should be conducted before the court rather than in the court of public opinion.
Duterte has remained in ICC custody in The Hague since March 2025 after Philippine authorities surrendered him to the court following the issuance of an arrest warrant.
