The Hague, February 23 (QNA) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) commenced Monday the preliminary hearings concerning former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces three charges of committing crimes against humanity in the wake of the bloody anti‑narcotics campaigns he oversaw during his tenure.

Duterte, aged 80, did not attend the hearings in The Hague after waiving his right to appear, while the prosecutors began presenting evidence substantiating his alleged involvement in dozens of killings within what he termed his war on drugs.

The charges date back to his tenure as Mayor of Davao City in southern Philippines and later to his presidency from 2016 to 2022.

According to the arrest warrant issued by the ICC, Duterte, in his capacity as president, organized, funded, and armed hitmen who executed killings targeting individuals deemed drug users or traffickers as part of anti‑narcotics operations.

The campaign, during which strict anti‑drug measures were enforced, resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 individuals, based on official government records. (QNA)