Two Philippine senators named ‘co-perpetrators’ in Duterte ICC case
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
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Two Philippine senators, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, have been named as co-perpetrators in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The complaint, released by ICC prosecutors, accuses Duterte and his associates of orchestrating a violent campaign targeting drug suspects during his tenure. This marks the first time high-ranking officials from Duterte’s administration have been directly implicated in the case.
Dela Rosa, a former national police chief, played a key role in enforcing Duterte’s notorious “war on drugs” as mayor of Davao City and later as president. Go, re-elected last year, served as a close aide to Duterte during his terms as both mayor and president. Both senators are among eight current and former officials named in the complaint, which指控 Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity linked to at least 76 murders.
The document alleges that Duterte and his co-perpetrators conspired to “neutralize” individuals perceived as drug offenders through violent means, including murder. This strategy was implemented during Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao City and later expanded nationwide during his presidency. The ICC charges include 19 murders from 2013-2016, 14 targeted killings of high-value individuals in 2016-2017, and 43 deaths during operations targeting low-level drug users.
Kristina Conti, a lawyer representing victims’ families, called the ICC’s disclosure “historic,” emphasizing that it reveals how Duterte’s regime ensured impunity for his actions. The inclusion of former justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who previously defended Duterte in cases related to the Davao Death Squad, further underscores the systemic nature of the alleged crimes.
Duterte, currently detained at The Hague, has repeatedly claimed his arrest was unlawful and denied any wrongdoing. His confirmation of charges hearing is set to begin on February 23, with judges deciding whether there’s sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The ICC’s actions highlight the growing international scrutiny of Duterte’s human rights record and the broader implications for accountability in Southeast Asia.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026