Court records from the International Criminal Court confirm substantial evidence against former president Rodrigo Duterte in his drug war, leading to an arrest warrant. Claims of no evidence are false, according to a fact-check. The prosecution continues seeking additional witnesses to strengthen the case.
On December 24, 2025, the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor filed 1,303 pieces of evidence disclosed from July to December 2025 to Duterte's defense team. This includes 906 incriminating items, covering murders during barangay clearance operations and killings of high-value targets under his presidency.
In March 2025, the prosecution submitted 181 pieces of evidence that formed the basis for Duterte's arrest warrant issued on March 7. The Pre-Trial Chamber I found 'reasonable grounds to believe' that Duterte was 'individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder.'
As a whistleblower, retired police colonel Royina Garma agreed to testify at the ICC, according to former justice secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in September 2025. She is linked to the 'Davao Model,' an incentive system for drug-related killings, and Duterte's alleged direct role in it. Remulla noted three to four witnesses are expected against Duterte.
The ICC's renewed call for additional witnesses does not indicate insufficient evidence, said ICC-accredited lawyer Kristina Conti. 'So why issue witness appeals again? Why not, when the investigation is still ongoing?' she asked, as quoted in a report. Duterte remains in ICC custody after his November 2025 interim release request was rejected.
The claim of no evidence came from a viral Facebook reel by Mike Operario on January 19, 2026. It is false, based on official ICC filings.
