(UPDATE) THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has cleared 15 drug war victims to join the proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at The Hague awaiting trial for crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

The ICC Registry, which conducts non-judicial activities, such as security, interpretation, outreach, and support for the court, submitted 25 applications for victim participation, classifying 15 as Group A, indicating that the applicants clearly qualified as victims within the scope of the case.

The 10 other applications were classified as Group B, meaning they fall outside the temporal or material scope of the alleged crimes.

The Registry’s submission was filed ahead of the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for Sept. 23.

The Victims Participation and Reparations Section (VPRS) had registered a total of 322 applications, excluding duplicates and withdrawn requests, resulting in 304 applications assessed for participation.

Of these, the 15 Group A applications represent 29 persons who demonstrated verified identity, proof of harm, and a direct connection to alleged crimes committed during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which killed at least 6,000 people between Nov. 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

An additional 18 applicants had applied solely for reparations and were not considered at this stage.

The confidential annex accompanying the Registry’s filing explains why Group B applications did not meet the criteria.

Group C applications, for which the Registry could not make a clear determination, were transmitted separately on Aug. 20.

Meanwhile, the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) opposed a Registry proposal that would allow it to monitor lawyers representing victims.

15 drug war victims cleared to join Duterte's ICC case

In a public filing on Saturday, Principal Counsel Paolina Massidda presented the OPCV’s observations on the Registry’s Aug. 20 report regarding the organization of common legal representation for victims in the Philippines situation.

The Registry’s proposal suggested that lawyers provide regular updates on client communications and their activities, with the Registry potentially recommending adjustments to the representation scheme.

But Massidda rejected the idea, describing it as “inappropriate and without legal foundation.”, This news data comes from:http://www.jyxingfa.com

She stressed that “it is not the Registry’s role to monitor how appointed legal representatives fulfill their mandate.”

Massidda noted that all ICC lawyers are already bound by a strict Code of Professional Conduct, requiring them to act in good faith, consult with clients, and keep them informed.

She warned that a new oversight mechanism would violate counsel independence, compromise the Registry’s neutrality, and create unequal treatment compared with defense lawyers.

Instead, the OPCV said the existing complaint procedures under the Code of Conduct are sufficient to address any issues victims might have with their representation.

Massidda also affirmed her readiness to continue representing victims collectively, individually, or as part of a team until permanent common legal representatives are appointed.

She further advocated for a combination of OPCV lawyers and external counsel, particularly from the Philippines, citing their cultural knowledge, better access to affected communities, and ability to provide meaningful representation.

The ICC has released a public, redacted version of the Registry’s filing, while full reports and annexes remain confidential in accordance with Court regulations.

Pre-Trial Chamber I, composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antonnella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera, will now consider both the Registry’s report and the OPCV’s observations before deciding how victims will be represented in the upcoming confirmation of charges proceedings.

Duterte, who was arrested in March 2025 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport under an ICC warrant, has since been transferred to the Court’s detention facility.

The confirmation of charges hearing will examine the evidence against him for alleged crimes against humanity, including murder linked to his controversial war on drugs.