Witnesses vs Duterte to testify on DDS, killings

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on September 16, 2026, during a preparatory session as he faces charges over his “war on drugs,” which killed thousands.

AFP / Pool / Piroschka Van De Wouw

MANILA, Philippines — Several witnesses that the prosecution intends to present against former president Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity trial will focus on the killings committed by the so-called Davao death squad (DDS) and by the police during anti-drug operations.

International Criminal Court acting prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang recently filed three new requests for admission of the prior recorded testimonies of 10 witnesses that they intend to present against Duterte, in addition to the five earlier requests.

The sixth request, which covers witnesses P-1136, P-1345, P-1391 and P-1404, involved testimonies of “violence in the Philippines… prior to and during Mr. Duterte’s presidency.” Witness P-1136 specifically discussed the targeting of so-called high-value drug personalities, while witnesses P-1345 and P-1391 discussed details related to the drug war.

These included the targeting of alleged drug personalities, the use of drug watchlists and the supposed fabrication of accounts of killings committed by the Philippine National Police.

Accounts of witness P-1404 cover evidence related to barangay clearance operation.

The prosecution’s seventh request, which covers witnesses P-1097, P-1170 and P-1318, involves details related to the drug war’s implementation.

Witness P-1097 provides information on the implementation of Tokhang, which “involved killings rather than ‘knock and plead’ visits.”

Meanwhile, P-1170 would testify on the PNP’s role in the implementation of the drug war, while P-1318 would specifically allege that “some police killings were staged through nanlaban narratives, evidence planting and cover-ups.”

The eighth request, which covers witnesses P-0019, P-1032 and P-1409, involves testimonies of the DDS killings in the Davao area prior to Duterte’s election as president.

P-0019 will testify on extrajudicial killings in Davao City, including instances when Duterte – then either as mayor or vice mayor – read out names of criminal suspects, some of whom were subsequently killed.

Witness P-1032 will testify on the existence and the supposed composition of the DDS, as well as its operations targeting alleged criminals in Davao City.

Testimony of P-1409 will center on the existence of the DDS and its involvement in extrajudicial killings from 2016 to 2017, including financial rewards allegedly provided by Duterte to DDS handlers.

The prosecution alleged that the prior recorded testimonies of the witnesses were relevant to the case. Even if granted, they will still be presented in person for supplementary examination.

Niang argued that accepting their prior recorded testimonies will reduce the total time needed for their direct examination.

Duterte’s defense team will still be able to cross-examine them during trial.