Duterte’s War on Drugs and the Pursuit of Accountability at the ICC
The Philippines’ “war on drugs,” launched under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Filipinos, often in extrajudicial killings. Now, years after leaving office, Duterte faces potential prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. This article examines the scope of the violence, the allegations against Duterte, and the current status of the ICC investigation.
The Scale of the Violence
From 2016 through 2022, an estimated 30,000 Filipinos died in encounters with police or through killings carried out by state-sponsored death squads . The campaign targeted drug users and dealers, but its implementation was widely criticized for its disregard for due process and human rights. The official police count acknowledges 6,252 deaths from anti-drug operations between mid-2016 and mid-2022 , but the true number is believed to be significantly higher, including those killed by vigilantes.
The Case of Myca Ulpina: A Tragic Example
The death of three-year-aged Kateleen Myca Ulpina, also known as Myca, in June 2019, became a symbol of the war on drugs’ devastating impact on innocent civilians . Myca was killed during a police raid targeting her father, Renato Dolofrina, who was accused of selling methamphetamine. An autopsy determined she died from a brain injury . Investigations revealed that bullets came from the firearms of two police officers, Police Senior Master Sergeant Conrad Cabigao and Police Corporal Mark Jherson Olaño . Cabigao was killed during the operation, while Olaño faces criminal charges.
Duterte’s Role and the Davao Death Squad
The current ICC investigation centers on allegations that Duterte, as mayor of Davao City and later as president, instigated and encouraged extrajudicial killings. Prior to his presidency, the Davao Death Squad, comprised of ex-cops, gangsters, and NPA defectors, executed hundreds of individuals suspected of involvement in drugs and crime . Duterte himself admitted in 2015 to being linked to the death squad, stating, “They say I am the death squad? True, that is true” .
The ICC Investigation and Current Status
The ICC is investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed during the war on drugs. In February 2026, ICC judges held a hearing to determine whether a trial against Duterte would proceed . A decision is expected by the end of April. If the case proceeds to trial, Duterte could face a maximum sentence of 30 years, or life imprisonment . Duterte was transported to The Hague to face the charges after a warrant was issued and cooperation from the Marcos Jr. Administration.
Limited Success in Reducing Drug Use
Despite the immense human cost, the “war on drugs” had limited success in curbing drug use. The number of illicit drug users in the Philippines decreased slightly from 1.8 million before Duterte’s presidency to 1.7 million in 2019 , a reduction of less than 5%.
The pursuit of justice for the victims of the Philippines’ war on drugs represents a significant challenge to international accountability and the rule of law. The ICC’s investigation and potential trial of Rodrigo Duterte mark a crucial step towards addressing the widespread human rights violations that occurred during his time in office.