Prosecutors to ICC: Protect 55 witnesses vs Duterte
The Manila Times · 11/7/2026, 12:21:00 AM Philippine time
Excerpt from The Manila Times. Read the original report below for the complete story.INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors cited reported security incidents involving witnesses and the continuing influence of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s allies in seeking protection for 55 witnesses who will testify during his trial.In a public redacted filing made on Nov. 5, the prosecutors told Trial Chamber III that the measures were necessary to protect witnesses whose testimony concerns alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s terms as Davao City mayor and president.The prosecution said numerous witnesses had reported security incidents to its office, while some agreed to cooperate only if they remain anonymous.It argued that direct threats were not necessary to establish an objectively justifiable risk to witnesses, citing previous ICC rulings that recognized the security situation in a particular territory as a relevant consideration when assessed alongside a witness’ individual circumstances.The filing identifies six categories of witnesses requiring protection: insider witnesses residing in the Philippines, witnesses from the alleged crime scenes also residing in the country, witnesses whose specific circumstances were…