Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have submitted a provisional witness list for the upcoming trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte, while indicating that the roster is expected to expand as investigations continue.
The filing was submitted in preparation for Duterte's trial, which is scheduled to begin on November 30. He faces three counts of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration's anti-drug campaign.
Prosecutors estimate they will eventually present between 60 and 70 witnesses, although the final number remains subject to change.
ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang told Trial Chamber III that the prosecution would submit its final witness list by August 31, 2026. The filing will also provide additional information on each witness, including the nature of their expected testimony.
"This will include, inter alia, whether the prosecution intends to call the witness pursuant to Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, as well as a summary of the witness's testimony," the filing stated.
Rule 68 allows the admission of previously recorded audio or video testimony, or transcripts of such testimony, under specific circumstances.
Prosecutors have indicated they intend to use the rule for some witnesses. They expect to present 25 to 30 witnesses through live, in-person testimony, while others may testify through recorded statements or video link.
The provisional witness list identifies individuals only by pseudonyms, a standard protective measure in ICC proceedings involving sensitive cases. Both the witness list and a separate provisional list of evidence were filed confidentially because they contain sensitive witness information.
The prosecution has previously said it expects to call 31 insider witnesses, 17 crime-base witnesses, and 12 witnesses who will provide background and contextual evidence on the alleged crimes.
It estimates that the direct examination of its witnesses will require between 175 and 200 hours.
The trial is set to begin on November 30 after ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed all charges against Duterte in April. The 81-year-old former president has remained in ICC custody since his arrest in Manila in March 2025.