Duterte supporters, accusers converge at the Hague for trial

"That is why it is so important that we are here. To give a face to all those people who were killed. Our loved ones who were killed, us who were left behind, we are not just numbers."

"Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity for murder, tied to thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings carried out during his anti-drug campaign as mayor of Davao City and later as president of the Philippines. As the pre-trial hearings close, ICC judges will have up to 60 days to decide whether prosecutors have shown 'substantial grounds' to move the case to a full trial."

Grace Garganta attended pre-trial hearings at the International Criminal Court in The Hague where prosecutors presented evidence against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, accused of orchestrating an anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths, including those of her father and brother. Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity for murder tied to alleged extrajudicial killings during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and president of the Philippines. Garganta and other family members of victims sat in the public gallery as lawyers detailed police crackdowns and violence. Duterte's defense team argued that relying on his speeches to prove criminal intent is insufficient. Following the pre-trial hearings, ICC judges have up to 60 days to determine whether prosecutors have established substantial grounds to advance the case to full trial.

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