ICC Prosecutor Unveils New Evidence Against Duterte on Second Day of Charges Hearing
On the second day of the confirmation of charges hearing, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor presented additional evidence targeting former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who did not attend the proceedings. ICC prosecutor and trial lawyer Edward Jeremy detailed the so-called "double barrel" anti-illegal drug campaign plan of the Philippine National Police, which was implemented through two methods: Project Tokhang and Project high value targets (HVT), aimed at illegal drug personalities and syndicates.
Key Incidents and Victims Highlighted
The Prosecutor cited specific killings, including those of former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa on November 5, 2016 (charged incident 13), and Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parajinog along with others on July 30, 2017 (charged incident 14). Other victims mentioned were Benjamin Vista and 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos, who were killed during the drug war.
"PRRD List" and Video Evidence Presented
In front of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, the Prosecutor displayed a "PRRD list" that included accused drug lords such as Espinosa and Raul Yap as high-value targets, marked with a red X indicating they were neutralized or killed on November 5, 2016. This list matched one held by the former President in a speech on February 2, 2017. Video clips of Duterte's speeches were also shown, featuring threats to kill mayors involved in illegal drugs and jokes about extra-judicial killings.
Witness Testimonies and Socioeconomic Bias
According to the Prosecutor, based on witness accounts, poor individuals were often targeted because they were less likely to file complaints against the police. This highlights a potential socioeconomic bias in the drug war operations.
The hearing, which began on Monday with the reading of charges against Duterte, is set to continue on February 26 and 27, as the ICC moves forward with its investigation into alleged human rights violations during his administration.
