ICC lawyers want recorded accounts
International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors are seeking to introduce the recorded testimonies of five witnesses to support allegations of systematic violence during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a redacted public filing dated 16 October, ICC prosecutors asked the court to admit the statements and supporting documents as evidence, arguing that the accounts could help establish the policy of using violence to “neutralize” suspected criminals while reducing the time needed for court proceedings during Duterte’s term.
The five witnesses, identified as P-1087, P-1151, P-1158, P-1161 and P-1204, described police killings, anti-drug operations, and changes in law enforcement practices after Duterte took office in 2016.
P-1087 discussed the reliability of official Philippine National Police reports on killings and how Duterte’s public statements and lists of suspected criminals contributed to a climate of impunity.
P-1151 described police killings during Operation Double Barrel, the government’s anti-drug campaign, and a monetary reward system for officers involved in killings. The testimony also covered Duterte’s appointments of key officials and his public statements encouraging violence.
The accounts of P-1158 and P-1161 concerned police operational structures and the role of the “PRRD list,” while P-1204 described changes in police operations after Duterte became president and similarities between violent incidents across different jurisdictions.
Prudent court time
The prosecution said the arrangement would shorten direct examinations and save court time, although it redacted the estimated time savings.
“The introduction of the witnesses’ prior recorded testimonies into evidence is not prejudicial to, or inconsistent with, the rights of the accused,” the prosecutors said in the filing.
The defense would retain the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses, present contradictory evidence, and challenge the weight judges should give their recorded statements.
The court previously allowed the prosecutors to introduce the recorded testimony of another witness, identified as P-1100, while limiting additional questioning to one hour.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity involving alleged murders and attempted murders committed in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019. The charges relate to killings allegedly linked to his anti-drug campaign, including during his time as Davao City mayor and then as president.
The ICC has scheduled the start of his trial on 30 November, following a ruling that he is fit to stand trial.