International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors are seeking to introduce additional recorded witness testimonies to strengthen allegations of extrajudicial killings and challenge Philippine National Police claims of self-defense during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. In applications made public on November 3 and 4, the prosecution asked Trial Chamber III to admit the prior testimonies of five witnesses, citing evidence of alleged killings, police operations, and patterns of violence linked to the drug war. The testimonies reportedly cover several high-profile incidents, including the killings of former Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and teenager Kian delos Santos.
Prosecutors said the accounts could help establish the alleged widespread and systematic nature of the crimes and corroborate other evidence in the case. Duterte is facing three counts of crimes against humanity involving murder and attempted murder allegedly committed during his time as Davao City mayor and Philippine president. His trial is scheduled to begin on November 30 before ICC Trial Chamber III.
