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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICC seeks witnesses in probe of alleged crimes in PH drug war

ICC seeks witnesses in probe of alleged crimes in PH drug war

Published Jan 16, 2026 09:09 am
The Office of the Prosecution of the International Criminal Court (ICC) said it is seeking direct witnesses as it investigates allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the Philippines’ war on drugs.
In a Facebook post made late Thursday, Jan. 15, the ICC said the probe covers alleged killings, torture, and sexual violence linked to anti-drug operations.
With this, the Office of the Prosecutor appealed for direct witnesses to come forward and speak with ICC investigators. The appeal specifically includes members of law enforcement agencies who were involved in the incidents under scrutiny.
“The Office is appealing for direct witnesses to these incidents, including members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies who were involved in these incidents, to come forward and speak with members of the Office,” it said, attaching a link to where witnesses can securely submit their information.
The ICC said the incidents under investigation allegedly occurred between November 2011 and March 2019.

It said the investigation forms part of its ongoing examination of accountability for actions carried out during the country’s anti-drug campaign.
The ICC said testimony from direct participants and witnesses is critical to establishing the facts of the case.
While the post did not name specific individuals who are subjects of the investigation, the ICC already has former president Rodrigo Duterte in custody in The Hague following his arrest for crimes against humanity in March 2025.
The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, but the tribunal has maintained that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.
The ICC investigation focuses on alleged abuses tied to the anti-drug campaign launched during the Duterte administration.

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ICC war on drugs investigation
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