MANILA, Philippines — A former Davao City journalist has publicly challenged the International Criminal Court’s use of a video clip presented as evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte, insisting that the footage has been misinterpreted by prosecutors.

The journalist, who covered Davao for decades, declared, “Ako mismo kumuha ng video na yan!” in response to the ICC prosecution’s claim that the 2013 CCTV recording showed Duterte condoning killings in the city.

The footage, taken at the Agdao Public Market, depicts the fatal shooting of three alleged thieves. ICC prosecutors argued that Duterte’s viewing of the video demonstrated his awareness and tolerance of extrajudicial killings, allegedly carried out by the so-called Davao Death Squad. They said his reaction suggested approval, reinforcing allegations that the killings were conducted with impunity under his leadership.

The journalist, however, countered that the clip was not evidence of Duterte endorsing violence but rather part of a demonstration of Davao City’s newly-installed CCTV system. “That video was meant to show how the cameras worked, not to prove that Duterte sanctioned killings,” the journalist explained.

The disputed footage has become a focal point in the ICC’s confirmation of charges hearing, which began on February 23 in The Hague. Prosecutors are seeking to establish “substantial grounds” to try Duterte for crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s bloody war on drugs and earlier alleged death squad operations in Davao City.

Senior Trial Lawyer Julian Nicholls told the court, “This case is not complicated,” as he presented witness testimonies alleging that Duterte personally cleared the Agdao killings and that gunmen were later rewarded ₱90,000 for the murders.

The journalist’s intervention highlights the contentious nature of the evidence being used against Duterte, raising questions about interpretation and context as the ICC weighs whether to move forward with a full trial.

This clash over the meaning of the video underscores the high stakes of the proceedings, which continue to draw global attention to Duterte’s legacy and the international pursuit of accountability for alleged human rights violations.

Photo courtesy: Screenshot from News 5 via Mindanao Times (FB)