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MANILA, Philippines – The Duterte ICC trial is approaching its scheduled November 30 opening as prosecutors seek to introduce expert reports examining alleged killings linked to the country’s anti-drug campaign. The latest request aims to present additional analysis of police operations and alleged patterns of violence as the International Criminal Court prepares to hear the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In an application filed on October 30, 2026, the Office of the Prosecutor asked Trial Chamber III to admit written findings from three expert witnesses identified as P-1071, P-1078, and P-1162. The request was made under Rule 68(3) of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence.

A redacted version of the prosecution’s 11th application was made public on November 4, according to court records.

The proposed evidence includes expert analysis that prosecutors say could help establish patterns of alleged unlawful killings associated with the anti-drug campaign. The application forms part of a broader effort to present previously recorded evidence and streamline proceedings ahead of the scheduled opening of Duterte’s trial on November 30.

Expert reports examine alleged patterns of killings

Among the materials described in the prosecution’s application is a joint expert report prepared by witnesses P-1071 and P-1078.

Another report, attributed to expert witness P-1162, examines the use of deadly force by Philippine National Police personnel, particularly in Bulacan.

According to the prosecution’s description, the expert analysis raises concerns about police encounters in which killings were allegedly presented as legitimate law enforcement operations. Prosecutors contend that some incidents may have involved staged circumstances intended to conceal targeted killings.

These findings are expected to support the prosecution’s arguments concerning the alleged systematic nature of violence during the anti-drug campaign.

However, the complete expert reports are not publicly available in the redacted filing. The identities of the experts and portions of their findings also remain confidential.

The prosecution’s claims have yet to be tested through the trial process, and the filing does not mean the judges have already accepted the reports as evidence.

Why prosecutors are invoking Rule 68(3)

Rule 68(3) allows the ICC to consider previously recorded testimony under specific conditions, including when the witness appears before the Trial Chamber and is available for examination.

The procedure is intended to avoid unnecessary repetition of testimony while preserving the rights of the accused to challenge the evidence.

If the judges grant the prosecution’s request, the expert materials could become part of the evidentiary record without requiring every aspect of the reports to be presented again through lengthy oral testimony.

The defense would retain the opportunity to question the witnesses and challenge their findings.

The distinction is important because the admission of written testimony does not automatically establish that the information contained in it is accurate or conclusive.

Part of a wider effort to prepare prosecution evidence

The 11th application is among several requests filed by prosecutors seeking to introduce previously recorded testimony and other supporting materials ahead of the trial.

Recent filings have involved additional witnesses whose proposed testimony could address alleged patterns of violence, police operations, and the circumstances surrounding drug-related killings.

The prosecution is seeking to present evidence that would help demonstrate how the alleged crimes were carried out and whether they formed part of a broader pattern connected to the anti-drug campaign.

The use of expert evidence is particularly significant because it could help the judges understand statistical patterns, operational practices, and other circumstances that may not be immediately apparent from individual witness accounts.

The defense, however, will have the opportunity to dispute the prosecution’s interpretation and challenge the reliability and relevance of the proposed evidence.

Duterte faces three confirmed counts of crimes against humanity

Duterte remains in ICC custody in The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces proceedings concerning alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The ICC confirmed three counts involving murder and attempted murder in April 2026, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

The alleged crimes cover the period from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, spanning Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao City and his presidency.

The case concerns allegations that killings were committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population in connection with the anti-drug campaign.

Duterte has denied wrongdoing. The charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty before the court.

In October 2026, Trial Chamber III also ruled that Duterte was fit to stand trial following proceedings examining his ability to participate in the case.

Trial scheduled to open on November 30

The prosecution’s latest request comes as the ICC prepares for the scheduled opening of Duterte’s trial on November 30, 2026.

The admission of expert reports and previously recorded testimony could influence how evidence is presented and how much time is required for witness examinations.

The Trial Chamber must still consider the prosecution’s application and determine whether the proposed materials satisfy the applicable legal requirements.

The proceedings are expected to examine the prosecution’s allegations concerning the anti-drug campaign, the alleged involvement of individuals in the killings, and the responsibility attributed to Duterte.

The latest filing marks another development in the case as prosecutors continue assembling evidence ahead of one of the most closely watched international criminal proceedings involving a former Philippine president.