Manila: The International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor has accused eight current and former officials, including Senators Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa and Christopher 'Bong' Go, and former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, as alleged co-perpetrators in the killings during the Philippines' anti-drug campaign.
According to Philippines News Agency, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, in a court document dated February 13, claimed that detained former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and the alleged co-perpetrators had a shared plan to eliminate those involved or suspected of drug-related activities through violent means, including murder.
Dela Rosa, Duterte's first Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, has been absent from public view since Senate sessions resumed in November 2025. He reportedly went into hiding following rumors of an impending arrest. On his 64th birthday, January 21, he took to Facebook, claiming to be "alive and well" and expressing a desire for justice.
In addition to Dela Rosa, Go, and Aguirre, the document names several other officials, including Vicente Danao, the late Camilo Cascolan, Oscar Albayalde, Dante Gierran, and Isidro Lape±a. Unnamed members of the PNP and high-ranking government officials were also implicated.
The prosecution alleges that Duterte, Go, and law enforcement officials used both police and non-police forces, including the Davao Death Squad (DDS), to execute alleged criminals during Duterte's term as mayor (June 2013 - June 2016). The document claims that Duterte and the alleged co-perpetrators controlled a power structure that facilitated these acts.
As mayor, Duterte allegedly had authority over the police and city structures, enabling him to direct actions against alleged criminals, sometimes involving city hall workers and barangay officials. The prosecution claims that those executing the crimes were under pressure to comply with orders or face severe consequences.
During Duterte's presidency, the accused allegedly expanded their operations nationwide, ensuring compliance through a command hierarchy and financial incentives. The ICC document charges Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, including murders during his mayoral and presidential periods.
Duterte, detained at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague, Netherlands since March 11, 2025, is set to appear for a confirmation hearing on February 23, following an assessment that he is fit to stand trial.
