In a statement, the ICC said the judges had approved a request from prosecutors to begin the investigation of a possible murder as a crime against humanity.
The assessment of the material presented by prosecutors by the judges was that “the so-called“ war on drugs ”campaign“ cannot be seen as a legitimate law enforcement operation ”but rather a systematic attack on civilians.
Duterte has waged a controversial war on drugs in the Philippines since he came to power in June 2016, which according to police has killed more than 6,600 people. Independent monitors believe the number could be much higher than this.
The killings included children, as well as normal drug users and extrajudicially executed criminals.
Philippine rights group Karapatan said the court’s comments “reaffirm the views of the victims and their families.”
“Duterte and his cohorts should be held accountable for these crimes,” he said following the ICC decision.
In a July speech, Duterte attacked the court and said he would continue his fight against drugs. “I have never denied it, and the ICC can record it: those who destroy my country, I will kill you,” he said.
Although the Philippines has withdrawn from membership in the ICC, it was a member between July 2016 and March 2019, a period covered by prospective research.
The judges said the relevant offenses appeared to have continued after that date, but that the court was limited to investigating those suspected of having occurred while the Philippines was a member.