Trending Now - Duterte's ICC Trial Set to Begin Amid New Investigation Into Killings

WHO:

ABC News World - Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines

ABC News - Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Roman Catholic bishop in the Philippines

ABC News - Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Duterte’s former national police chief

ABC News - Raul Pangalangan, Philippine lawyer and former ICC judge

ABC News - Raquel Fortun, forensic pathologist with the University of the Philippines

WHAT:

ABC News World - The International Criminal Court has set Nov. 30 as the start date for the trial of Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity.

ABC News - A fact-finding body called the “EJK Truth Commission” has been launched to document accounts of witnesses regarding Duterte’s anti-drugs crackdown.

ABC News - Sen. Ronald dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC as a co-perpetrator for some of the thousands of killings during the crackdown.

ABC News - The commission plans to hold public hearings and will allow the government to use their findings for investigations and prosecutions.

WHERE:

ABC News World - The trial will take place at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

ABC News - The fact-finding body is based in the Philippines.

WHEN:

ABC News World - The trial of Rodrigo Duterte is set to begin on Nov. 30.

WHY:

ABC News - The fact-finding body aims to help victims, their families, and law enforcers find closure regarding the anti-drugs crackdown.

ABC News - The commission was created to ensure that the stories of victims, survivors, and families are heard, verified, and preserved.

HOW:

ABC News - The commission will document accounts of witnesses and may submit periodic reports to justice and human rights officials.

ABC News - The commission will focus on helping victims and their families recover dignity and healing for the country.

(UPDATED May 27, 2026 16:34 UTC)

The International Criminal Court has scheduled the trial of Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity to begin on November 30 at its location in The Hague. In addition, a fact-finding body known as the “EJK Truth Commission” has been established in the Philippines to document witness accounts related to Duterte’s controversial anti-drugs crackdown, with plans for public hearings to support investigations and prosecutions. This commission aims to provide closure for victims and their families by ensuring their stories are heard, verified, and preserved.