Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears in court in The Hague
The Philippines announced a bounty on a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court for a crime against humanity. Meanwhile, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces a trial scheduled to open on November 30, 2026, after Trial Chamber III found him fit to stand trial. International Criminal Court prosecutors previously requested the admission of three additional witness accounts detailing alleged orders, planning, and payments tied to killings in his case. Additionally, the Philippine Supreme Court faces pressure to resolve pending petitions regarding the tribunal's jurisdiction.
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- ✓ The Philippines announced a bounty on a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court for a crime against humanity.
What changed
The Philippines announced a bounty on a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court for a crime against humanity.
Live updates
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Philippines Announces Bounty on Senator Wanted by ICC
The Philippines announced a bounty on a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court for a crime against humanity. Meanwhile, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces a trial scheduled to open on November 30, 2026, after Trial Chamber III found him fit to stand trial. International Criminal Court prosecutors previously requested the admission of three additional witness accounts detailing alleged orders, planning, and payments tied to killings in his case. Additionally, the Philippine Supreme Court faces pressure to resolve pending petitions regarding the tribunal's jurisdiction.
Why it matters
The legal proceedings against former President Rodrigo Duterte and allied political figures highlight a severe friction point between domestic authority and international tribunals. Vice President Sara Duterte faces her own political paradox as a potential successor while these high-stakes investigations and warrants unfold. The Philippine Supreme Court must now address urgent petitions regarding the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
What is confirmed
- The Philippines announced a bounty on a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court for a crime against humanity.
Still unconfirmed
- Reports previously indicated a P50-million bounty targeting Senator Bato dela Rosa.
What to watch next
- Philippine Supreme Court decisions on pending petitions regarding International Criminal Court jurisdiction
- The scheduled opening of Rodrigo Duterte's trial on November 30, 2026
- Trial Chamber rulings on the admission of three additional witness accounts
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- nypost.com — New York Post – Breaking News, Top Headlines, Photos & Videos
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Philippines announces bounty on senator wanted by the ICC for crime against humanity
- www.manilatimes.net — Spare tire | The Manila Times
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ICC prosecutors add witness accounts in Duterte case
International Criminal Court prosecutors requested the admission of three additional witness accounts detailing alleged orders, planning, and payments tied to killings in the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Trial Chamber III previously found Duterte fit to stand trial and scheduled the opening for November 30, 2026. Meanwhile, the Philippine Supreme Court faces pressure to resolve pending petitions regarding the tribunal's jurisdiction following reports of an arrest warrant and a P50-million bounty targeting Senator Bato dela Rosa.
Why it matters
The proceedings test the limits of national sovereignty and international accountability after the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute. Legal debates continue over whether domestic cooperation with The Hague remains valid. Prosecutors are building their case on witness testimonies, police operations evidence, and criminal lists.
What is confirmed
- ICC prosecutors requested to admit three additional witness accounts describing alleged orders, planning and payments linked to killings.
Still unconfirmed
- Senator Bato dela Rosa faces a reported arrest warrant and P50-million bounty.
What to watch next
- The Supreme Court ruling on ICC jurisdiction petitions
- Trial Chamber III opening the trial on November 30, 2026
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- tribune.net.ph — Where is judicial wisdom? | Daily Tribune
- www.philstar.com — In new ICC request, prosecutors cite 'orders from above ...
- criticallegalthinking.com — Law & Critique: Duterte in The Hague: The International ...
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ICC Trial Chamber Declares Former President Duterte Fit to Stand Trial
International Criminal Court prosecutors adjusted their case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte by dropping one specific killing from their trial brief. Trial Chamber III declared Duterte fit to stand trial following an independent medical evaluation requested by his defense counsel in May 2026. The tribunal scheduled the opening of the trial for November 30, 2026. Meanwhile, prosecutors are pressing forward with witness testimonies, police operations evidence, and criminal lists to expose systematic violence during Duterte's anti-drug campaign.
Why it matters
The proceedings stem from deadly anti-drug crackdowns during Duterte's presidency that triggered international scrutiny over alleged crimes against humanity. Legal teams are actively shaping the evidentiary foundation for the upcoming November trial by introducing expert reports and witness testimonies. Philippine officials also announced a bounty for a senator wanted by the ICC in connection with the same crackdowns.
What is confirmed
- Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court announced that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial based on findings from an independent Panel of Experts.
- The opening of the trial in the Duterte case is scheduled for November 30, 2026.
- Duterte's counsel raised concerns about his fitness to stand trial on May 25, 2026, requesting a medical examination.
- International Criminal Court prosecutors removed one alleged killing of a high-value drug target from their case after judges ruled the event fell outside the time frame of the charge.
Still unconfirmed
- Philippine officials announced a bounty for the capture of a senator ordered arrested by the International Criminal Court for an alleged crime against humanity linked to deadly anti-drug crackdowns.
What to watch next
- The opening of the Duterte trial scheduled for November 30, 2026.
- Judges ruling on the prosecution's request to admit an expert report and three witness testimonies into evidence.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- abcnews.com — ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- bworldonline.com — ICC prosecutors drop one incident from ex-President Duterte’s case - BusinessWorld Online
- www.ctvnews.ca — Philippines: Bounty out for senator wanted by ICC
- www.gmanetwork.com — ICC prosecution seeks admission of expert report, 3 witness ...
- en.ce.cn — Former Philippine President Duterte "fit to stand trial", ICC ...
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ICC Prosecution Drops One Drug War Killing From Duterte Case
International Criminal Court prosecutors dropped one alleged killing of a high-value drug target from their case against former president Rodrigo Duterte. According to court filings, the prosecution removed the incident from its trial brief after judges ruled the event fell outside the time frame of the charge. The adjustment comes as prosecutors press forward with witness testimonies to expose alleged systematic violence during Duterte's anti-drug campaign, focusing specifically on police operations and controversial lists of suspected criminals ahead of the November 30 trial.
Why it matters
The removal of the specific killing reflects the strict temporal boundaries governing the tribunal as it builds its crimes against humanity case. Prosecutors are actively seeking witness testimony to prove that police operations and targeted lists formed a systematic pattern of violence during the anti-narcotics crackdown. Duterte made a physical appearance at the court in The Hague for his fourth status conference after judges declared him fit to stand trial.
What is confirmed
- International Criminal Court prosecutors dropped one alleged killing of a high-value drug target from their case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
- Judges ruled that the dropped killing fell outside the time frame of the charge.
- ICC prosecutors push for witness testimonies to unveil alleged systematic violence during Duterte's anti-drug campaign, highlighting police operations and controversial lists of suspected criminals.
What to watch next
- Pre-trial preparations and evidence submissions leading up to the scheduled November 30, 2026 trial date.
- Additional witness testimonies regarding police operations and Duterte-linked lists.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.philstar.com — ICC prosecutors drop one drug war killing from Rodrigo Duterte case | Philstar.com
- tribune.net.ph — ICC prosecutors seek testimony on police operations, Duterte-linked list - DAILY TRIBUNE
- thephilippinesweb.com — Duterte ICC Case Timeline: Arrest, Charges, Fitness Ruling ...
- www.manilatimes.net — ICC drops alleged drug killing from Duterte case | The Manila ...
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Rodrigo Duterte Physically Appears at ICC Status Conference
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a physical appearance in court at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday for his fourth status conference in a crimes against humanity case. Rights advocates welcomed his presence, emphasizing that victims should not have to wait indefinitely for justice regarding the anti-narcotics crackdown during his administration. The court previously declared him fit to stand trial following a 17-page decision released by ICC Trial Chamber II on a Thursday night. Proceedings are officially scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026, as the prosecution prepares its evidence.
Why it matters
The International Criminal Court is advancing its proceedings against the former Philippine president regarding allegations connected to his violent presidential drug war. Duterte was declared physically and mentally capable of facing the charges after a judicial evaluation. The Office of the Prosecutor subsequently restructured its evidence list and requested the inclusion of three recorded testimonies ahead of the trial.
What is confirmed
- Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte physically appeared in court at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday for the fourth status conference in his crimes against humanity case.
- ICC Trial Chamber II released a 17-page decision declaring Duterte fit to stand trial and clearing the way for proceedings to begin on November 30, 2026.
What to watch next
- The official start of the trial on November 30, 2026.
- Decisions by the court regarding the admission of three recorded testimonies sought by the Office of the Prosecutor.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.thestar.com.my — Former Philippine President expected to appear in 4th ICC status conference | The Star
- www.philstar.com — LIVE: ICC fourth status conference for ex-president Rodrigo Duterte
- www.straitstimes.com — Oil edges lower following three days of gains
- www.ctvnews.ca — U.S. midterms: Republicans shy away from Trump ahead of vote
- www.illawarramercury.com.au — ICC rules ex-Philippine president fit to stand trial | Illawarra Mercury | Wollongong, NSW
- www.dzrh.com.ph — Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial — ICC Trial Chamber III
- www.gmanetwork.com — Rodrigo Duterte physically appears in court at ICC fourth ...
- english.dvb.no — International Criminal Court judges say Philippine ex ...
- www.gmanetwork.com — Rights advocates welcome Duterte appearance at ICC, say ...
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ICC Holds Fourth Pretrial Conference for Rodrigo Duterte
The International Criminal Court is holding its fourth status conference regarding the crimes against humanity case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Judges previously determined that Duterte is physically and mentally fit to stand trial for charges tied to the anti-narcotics crackdown during his presidential administration. Meanwhile, the Office of the Prosecutor restructured its evidence list following an additional review of the materials and is seeking the admission of three recorded testimonies.
Why it matters
The proceedings at The Hague address allegations of crimes against humanity stemming from the violent drug war campaign conducted while Duterte was in office. The court previously established procedural rules concerning witness testimony admissibility to pave the way for these hearings. Outside the courtroom, the tribunal faces broader geopolitical pressure following United States government sanctions imposed on the Hague-based court and its officials.
What is confirmed
- Judges at the International Criminal Court found that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial.
- The International Criminal Court Office of the Prosecutor restructured its List of Evidence after a further review of the materials.
- The International Criminal Court is holding its fourth status conference on the Duterte case.
Still unconfirmed
- The prosecution is specifically seeking the admission of three recorded testimonies as part of its restructured evidence list.
What to watch next
- Decisions by judges on the admission of the three recorded testimonies
- Further rulings from the International Criminal Court regarding pretrial evidence and trial scheduling
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- duckduckgo.com — DuckDuckGo - Protection. Privacy. Peace of mind.
- www.gmanetwork.com — ICC Prosecution restructures evidence list vs. Rodrigo Duterte, seeks admission of 3 recorded testimonies....
- www.yahoo.com — ICC says former Philippine President Duterte fit to stand trial
- www.ctvnews.ca — Philippines news: Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial, ICC says
- qa.philstar.com — ICC holds 4th pretrial meet in Duterte case
- www.theeastafrican.co.ke — Kenya and Uganda walk tightrope over Trump's sanctions on ICC
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ICC Judges Rule Former Philippine President Duterte Fit For Trial
International Criminal Court judges have determined that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is physically and mentally fit to face trial for crimes against humanity. The charges stem from the violent drug war campaign conducted during his administration. Duterte faces tribunal proceedings in The Hague as prosecutors prepare their case regarding the deadly anti-narcotics crackdown. The court previously established procedural rules concerning witness testimony admissibility, paving the way for the ongoing tribunal hearings to examine the allegations tied to his presidential tenure.
Why it matters
The tribunal proceedings address alleged human rights violations committed during the extensive anti-drug operations carried out while Duterte held office in the Philippines. The International Criminal Court investigates mass casualties associated with the government-backed crackdown. The latest fitness ruling removes a procedural barrier for the prosecution team.
What is confirmed
- International Criminal Court judges ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial on charges of crimes against humanity.
- The charges against Rodrigo Duterte are linked to the drug war campaign waged during his administration.
What to watch next
- Direct statements from the defense team regarding the fitness ruling
- Scheduling updates from the International Criminal Court for upcoming hearings
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- dictionary.cambridge.org — FORMER | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
- en.wiktionary.org — former - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
- www.philstar.com — Digong, kayang humarap sa paglilitis - ICC
- www.odt.co.nz — Former Philippine president Duterte fit to stand trial - Otago Daily Times
- bworldonline.com — ICC says former Philippine President Duterte fit to stand trial - BusinessWorld Online
- news.cgtn.com — Former Philippine President Duterte 'fit to stand trial,' ICC says - CGTN
- www.ksat.com — International Criminal Court judges say Philippine ex-President Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial
- www.straitstimes.com — Explainer: What is the International Criminal Court?
- www.thestar.com.my — ICC says Philippine ex-president Duterte fit to be tried | The Star
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ICC Admits Prior Testimony in Rodrigo Duterte Case
International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III granted a prosecution request to use the previously recorded testimony of an unidentified witness in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte. The court ruled that witness P-1100's prior statement can be admitted into evidence, provided the individual appears in court and consents to the use of the testimony. This procedural decision advances the ongoing tribunal proceedings concerning Duterte's controversial drug war administration.
Why it matters
Trial Chamber III is managing the high-profile case examining alleged crimes against humanity tied to Duterte's presidential drug war. The prosecution previously expanded the case by adding eight incidents, while defense teams and legal figures continue to contest evidentiary rules and custody legality.
What is confirmed
- Trial Chamber III allowed prosecutors to use the prior recorded testimony of an unidentified witness, designated as P-1100, in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
- The use of witness P-1100's prior statement is subject to the witness appearing in court and consenting to the use of the statement.
- The International Criminal Court Trial Chamber granted the prosecution request to admit the previously recorded testimony into evidence for the crimes against humanity case.
What to watch next
- Appearance and consent of witness P-1100 in court
- Further rulings from Trial Chamber III regarding open-source or user-generated evidence verification
- Responses from defense lawyers regarding the admitted testimony
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.manilatimes.net — ICC allows prior testimony of unidentified witness in Duterte case | The Manila Times
- proudbisayabai.ph — Duterte appears publicly at ICC hearing for first time since ...
- www.icc-cpi.int — Court records and transcripts - International Criminal Court
- www.gmanetwork.com — ICC grants prosecution's request to include prior testimony ...
- www.youtube.com — Former Philippines President Duterte Makes First in-person ...
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ICC Rejects Duterte Evidence Request as Proceedings Continue in The Hague
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attended an International Criminal Court hearing in The Hague as judges handle proceedings regarding his administration's drug war. Trial Chamber III denied a defense request to mandate expert verification for open-source or user-generated evidence, noting the requirement would slow down the trial. Meanwhile, lawyer Israelito Torreon has called for an international review regarding the legality of Duterte's custody and transfer to the tribunal. The prosecution previously expanded the crimes against humanity case by adding eight incidents.
Why it matters
Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges tied to killings during his tenure in the Philippines. The legal proceedings at The Hague involve sharp battles over evidence admissibility and due process standards. Defense teams have previously argued the former president suffers from significant memory impairment.
What is confirmed
- Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attended a hearing at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
- International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III denied the defense request to include expert verification for open-source or user-generated evidence.
Still unconfirmed
- Lawyer Israelito Torreon urged global scrutiny regarding due process and the legality of Duterte's transfer to ICC custody.
What to watch next
- Further rulings from Trial Chamber III regarding evidence admissibility
- Additional defense motions concerning Duterte's fitness to stand trial
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.europesays.com — Former president Rodrigo Duterte appears in court in The Hague
- www.sunstar.com.ph — Torreon Urges International Review of Duterte’s ICC Custody
- gbcode.rthk.hk — Ex-president Duterte attends ICC hearing in a first - RTHK
- www.europesays.com — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears in court ...
- www.thestar.com.my — ICC rejects former Philippine president's bid to verify open-source evidence before trial
- www.gmanetwork.com — ICC denies Duterte's request for expert verification of evidence
- bworldonline.com — US sanctions on ICC won’t affect Duterte’s trial - BusinessWorld Online
- www.formermerchandise.com — FORMER MERCHANDISE // Rider Owned & Operated
- dictionary.cambridge.org — FORMER | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
- www.vocabulary.com — Former - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
- www.gulf-times.com — tag - Gulf Times
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Duterte appears in The Hague court amid health concerns
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before International Criminal Court judges in The Hague for the first time in 18 months to face proceedings regarding killings tied to his administration's war on drugs. His defense team argues he suffers from significant memory impairment. The prosecution has expanded the crimes against humanity case against Duterte by adding eight additional incidents.
Why it matters
The International Criminal Court is investigating Duterte's role in the war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths. The case has been ongoing for several years, with Duterte's defense team raising concerns about his health. The prosecution's expanded case includes additional incidents of alleged crimes against humanity.
What is confirmed
- Duterte's defense team claims reviewing the documentary evidence would require about 16,000 person-hours.
- The prosecution has expanded the crimes against humanity case against Duterte by adding eight additional incidents.
- Duterte remains in detention at The Hague due to health concerns.
Still unconfirmed
- A viral AI-generated photo falsely shows Rodrigo Duterte back in the Philippines with his family.
What to watch next
- The ICC's decision on Duterte's bail petition
- The prosecution's response to Duterte's defense team's request to limit evidence
- The trial's next hearing date
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.khaleejtimes.com — Explainer: What is the ICC, why does it go after Netanyahu, Duterte, Putin | Khaleej Times
- www.gmanetwork.com — Rodrigo Duterte defense team decries huge evidence, asks ICC to order a cap
- qa.philstar.com — Romualdez, naghain ng bail petition sa kasong plunder
- www.philstar.com — Fact check: Viral airport photo does not show Duterte back in Philippines | Philstar.com
- www.manilatimes.net — Franco Jose C. Baroña | Author | The Manila Times
- www.manilatimes.net — Duterte ICC defense team decries tons of documentary evidence | The Manila Times
- www.brigadanews.ph — Palace says US call to leave ICC will not affect Duterte trial - Brigada News
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ICC Prosecutor Expands Case Against Former President Rodrigo Duterte
The International Criminal Court prosecutor has expanded the crimes against humanity case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte by adding eight additional incidents. The 81-year-old former leader appeared before court judges in The Hague for the first time in 18 months to face proceedings regarding killings tied to his administration's war on drugs. Duterte remains in detention at The Hague as his defense argues he suffers from significant memory impairment. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte publicly urged the court to take her father's physical condition into account during the trial.
Why it matters
The expansion of the case increases the legal pressure on Duterte as proceedings move forward at the International Criminal Court. Presiding Judge Joanna Korner previously warned all parties against speculation and directed prosecutors to refine their evidence and witness lists. Although the defense raised concerns about his health and memory, the court has shown reluctance to grant frequent trial breaks.
What is confirmed
- The International Criminal Court prosecutor added eight additional incidents to the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
- Vice President Sara Duterte urged the International Criminal Court to consider her 81-year-old father's physical condition during the trial.
- Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person before International Criminal Court judges in The Hague for the first time in 18 months and remains in detention.
Still unconfirmed
- The defense claims Rodrigo Duterte suffers from significant memory impairment.
What to watch next
- Decisions by ICC judges on whether to grant trial breaks regarding Duterte's physical condition
- Further refinements to evidence and witness lists by prosecutors following warnings from Presiding Judge Joanna Korner
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- bnc.bilyonaryo.com — VP Sara hopes ICC may consider 81-year-old father’s physical condition
- www.philstar.com — ICC prosecutor adds 8 incidents in Duterte case
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Rodrigo Duterte Makes First In-Person ICC Appearance in The Hague
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person before International Criminal Court judges in The Hague for the first time in 18 months. Duterte faces proceedings regarding killings during his war on drugs. The 81-year-old will remain in detention at The Hague. While his defense claims he suffers from significant memory impairment, the ICC has indicated it is not keen on granting breaks during the trial. Presiding Judge Joanna Korner has warned parties to avoid speculation and urged prosecutors to refine their evidence and witness lists.
Why it matters
The ICC is investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed under Duterte's administration. This appearance follows a yearlong absence from the public eye. The proceedings are complicated by concerns over the former president's physical fitness for a protracted trial.
What is confirmed
- Former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person before ICC judges in The Hague.
- This was Duterte's first in-person appearance in 18 months.
- Duterte is appearing before the court over killings associated with his war on drugs.
- Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention at The Hague.
Still unconfirmed
- The physical state of the 81-year-old has raised questions about his fitness for trial.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on defense requests for trial breaks
- Prosecution updates to the witness list and evidence
- Judicial decisions on Duterte's fitness to participate in proceedings
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (22)
- AP News — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is expected in court in The Hague
- Reuters — Former Philippines leader Duterte appears in ICC courtroom
- BBC — ICC: Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte makes first in-person appearance in 18 months at The Hague
- Inquirer.net — Rodrigo Duterte suffering ‘significant memory impairment’ – defense
- Bloomberg.com — Philippines’ Duterte Appears Before ICC After Yearlong Absence
- kare11.com — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears in public for first time in over a year at ICC hearing
- GMA Network — Rodrigo Duterte's camp concerned about Trillanes' links to ICC prosecution's 8 new incidents
- Inquirer.net — Duterte finally appears in person before ICC
- Reuters — Former Philippines leader Duterte appears before ICC judges for first time
- Al Jazeera — Duterte in person at ICC for first time over ‘war on drugs’ killings
- Inquirer.net — ICC not keen on breaks during Duterte’s trial
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser — Former Philippines leader Duterte appears before ICC judges
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