The International Criminal Court has confirmed charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, indicating he will be tried for crimes against humanity in connection with at least 76 killings during his anti-drug crackdown.

A three-judge panel found substantial ground to believe Duterte was responsible for dozens of murders during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president, and the pre-trial findings were upheld, placing him on track for a historic ICC trial.

The judges unanimously referred Duterte to full trial, marking a potential first for an Asian former head of state facing ICC proceedings.

The court has determined there is sufficient evidence to open the main trial phase, though a specific start date has not yet been announced.

This determination followed a preliminary review of evidence, with the start of the main trial still to be scheduled.

The ICC action underscores ongoing international efforts to hold leaders accountable for grave abuses, regardless of political stature.

The court faces external political pressure and sanctions context, including U.S. measures affecting the court, reflecting its ongoing difficulties.

Amnesty International Philippines welcomed the decision, calling it a historical moment for victims and international justice and signaling accountability for leaders who authorize widespread killings.

Rights groups estimate up to 30,000 people killed in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, with allegations that killings were carried out or ordered, financed, or publicly justified by him.

The charges also cover Duterte’s earlier time as mayor of Davao City, where the alleged offenses occurred during his crackdown on drug crime.

The defense sought to challenge the court’s jurisdiction and argued health issues could prevent a trial, but both objections were rejected.

It remains unclear whether Duterte will attend the trial, with his defense arguing he is mentally too weak to participate and noting his minimal appearances to date.