Duterte ICC case progresses: First set of evidence submitted

Rodrigo Duterte —SCREEN GRAB FROMICC

MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has submitted the initial set of evidence in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Based on a three-page document from the ICC website, Prosecutor Karim Khan’s office has sent 181 pieces of evidence to Duterte’s defense team as of March 21.

The document states that these items were “organized under Pre-Confirmation INCRIM package 001,” which remains confidential and is not publicly accessible.

READ: Duterte’s ICC arrest: Separating fact from lies

“These items comprise the material cited in the Warrant of Arrest for Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” it read.

The ICC currently has custody of Duterte after his arrest and transfer to The Hague for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s bloody war on drugs. The campaign left at least 6,000 people dead, according to official government records, while human rights groups estimate the death toll to be at least 20,000.

READ: Palace: ICC has jurisdiction on cases when Duterte was mayor until 2019

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for the former president, citing “reasonable grounds,” including his alleged role in establishing and leading the so-called “Davao Death Squad” more commonly known as DDS. The group, composed of police officers and civilian hitmen, was reportedly tasked with executing suspected criminals.