Duterte appears remotely at ICC, faces crimes against humanity charges

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared remotely before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, facing accusations of crimes against humanity.

The proceedings drew emotional reactions from eight women who gathered in a Manila church to watch the video stream; they expressed disdain and fear upon seeing Duterte's name.

Normita Lopez, 60, whose son was shot five times by Philippine police for 'fighting back', wept during the session.

Sheerah Escudero, whose brother Ephraim was abducted and later found dead, questioned the fairness of a trial for Duterte while her family received no justice.

Jane Lee, 42, whose husband was killed in the drug war, struggled to control her anger during the ICC session.

The women's group plans to use the six-month gap before the next hearing to continue their fight against Duterte's return to the Philippines and seek peace.