International Criminal Court deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, on the first day of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing at the ICC pre-trial chamber on Feb. 23, 2026, told judges that Duterte encouraged death squads to carry out extrajudicial killings using fear and financial rewards. Below is the transcript of Niang’s opening statement: THE HAGUE, The Netherlands — Today for international justice, for the people of the Philippines, for the victims and for this court. The commencement of the confirmation hearing against Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is a reminder of the court’s unwavering commitment to its mission […]... Keep on reading: TRANSCRIPT: Deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang’s opening statements