Updated on 27/03/2025

On 7 March 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber I issued a warrant of arrest for Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the former president of the Republic of the Philippines, for the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019 on the territory of the Philippines.

On 12 March 2025, Mr Duterte was surrendered to the International Criminal Court (ICC or “the Court”) after being arrested by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with the warrant of arrest. He is currently in the Court’s custody. On 14 March 2025, during Mr Duterte’s initial appearance before the Court, Pre-Trial Chamber I  (“Chamber”) provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing to begin on 23 September 2025.

On 21 March 2024, the Chamber ordered the Registry to submit, by 2 April 2025, observations  in relation to: (i) the admission process for applicants seeking to participate in the proceedings; (ii) application forms for participation; (iii) applicants’ proof of identity documents; and (iv) legal representation in the proceedings.

The Chamber will subsequently issue a decision on victims’ participation in the Duterte Case. Updated information on victims participation in the Duterte case will be published on the current page as soon as it becomes available.

WHO CAN BE CONSIDERED AS A VICTIM IN THE DUTERTE CASE?

Victims who suffered harm as a result of the crime against humanity of murder alleged against Mr Duterte can apply for participation and/or reparations in the Case.

The ICC legal framework recognises two types of victims:

1. Individuals who have suffered direct or indirect harm as a result of one of the ICC crimes.

2. Organisations or institutions, who have suffered direct harm only to their property dedicated to certain purposes (religion, education, art, science or charitable and humanitarian purposes, or historic monuments or hospitals).

Direct victims are those who were directly affected by ICC crimes. Indirect victims are individuals who suffered personal harm as a result of crime(s) committed against a direct victim. Indirect victims may include: (1) the close family members of direct victims; (2) anyone who attempted to prevent the commission of the crimes; (3) individuals who suffered harm when helping or intervening on behalf of direct victims; and (4) other persons who have suffered personal harm as a result of the crimes.

Ahead of the start of the confirmation of charges hearing, the Prosecutor will submit the Document Containing Charges (DCC), which will contain details on the crime(s) alleged against Mr Duterte. Updated information on the scope of the Duterte case will be published on the current page as soon as it becomes available.

HOW CAN VICTIMS APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCEEDINGS?

Victims can fill in and submit to the ICC Registry application forms for participation in proceedings and for reparations.

Please note that before filling in a victim application form, it is advised that victims and survivors or their representatives contact the VPRS for further information and advice. In addition, the VPRS provides training and advice as to how to fill in the form correctly (see also the written Guidelines below), which is very important for victims' expectations to be met with adequate Registry advice.

Victim application forms can be found below, alongside relevant guidelines. Currently, all relevant documentation is accessible in English and French; versions in the relevant situation-related languages will follow soon.

In addition to the individual forms, the Registry is currently developing a household form which would allow for all individuals in the same household, if affected by the same crime(s), to come together and fill in a single form as a group. Updated information on the household form will be published on the current page as soon as it becomes available.