Duterte to face ICC crimes trial

The International Criminal Court has unanimously confirmed three counts of murder as crimes against humanity against Rodrigo Duterte.

Pre-trial judges found 'substantial grounds' to believe the former leader was responsible for a systematic campaign of violence during his presidency and tenure as mayor of Davao.

Despite the Philippines' formal withdrawal from the ICC in 2018, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.

The decision has been hailed by human rights advocates as a long-overdue step toward accountability for the victims of the state-sponsored drug war.