A total of 303 individuals identified as victims of the Philippine drug war have applied to join the pre-trial process against former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to an ICC document dated August 20.

The Victims Participation and Reparations Section (VPRS) received the applications, which is a modest figure compared to the broader number of victims wishing to engage in the case. The details were disclosed in the public redacted version of the "Registry Report on Group C Applications for Victim Participation in Pre-Trial Proceedings," marked as "confidential ex parte Registry only" due to the sensitive nature of the information.

Applicants, along with their representatives, were organized into Groups A, B, and C, and were required to submit their requests by early August deadlines. The VPRS confirmed that applicants met essential criteria, including verified identity as natural persons, evidence of having suffered harm, and that such harm resulted from crimes President Duterte has been charged with at the ICC.

Verification of identities was conducted using government-issued identification such as voter IDs, Department of Social Welfare and Development cards, barangay employment IDs, and supporting affidavits certified by lawyers from the Public Attorney’s Office. Additionally, to ensure victim narratives were heard, the VPRS included select quotes from Group C applications that are not formally transmitted to the judges.

Former President Duterte was arrested on March 11 in the Philippines on allegations of crimes against humanity tied to his controversial war on drugs, both during his term as Davao City mayor and as president. He is currently detained at Scheveningen Prison in The Hague.

Duterte’s initial appearance before the ICC was conducted via video link on March 14, during which charges were formally read and his rights under the Rome Statute were explained.

ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah stated that the upcoming hearing for confirmation of charges—scheduled for September 23, 2025—could last up to three days. The process will involve the prosecution presenting evidence, the defense responding, and lawyers representing the victims making observations.

El Abdallah clarified that while many witnesses will be called to testify, not all are victims, and only a limited number of victims may be invited to share their accounts in person. He emphasized, "The accusation is done by the prosecutor and the witnesses are called by the parties, either the prosecution or the defense."

The pre-trial chamber judges will decide during the hearing whether to dismiss the case or proceed to trial.

Official government data indicate that over 6,000 suspects were killed during police operations in the drug war under Duterte's administration, though human rights organizations estimate the death toll could be as high as 30,000 when including unreported cases.