By Ron San Pedro
MANILA – The International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor has listed eight current and former Philippine officials, including Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, as well as former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, as alleged co-perpetrators in killings linked to the country’s anti-drug campaign.
ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, in a document dated Feb. 13, stated that former President Rodrigo Duterte and the alleged co-perpetrators “shared a common plan or agreement to neutralize alleged criminals,” as well as individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related activities, through violent acts including murder.
Dela Rosa, Duterte’s first Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, has remained out of public view since Senate sessions resumed in November 2025, fueling speculation about potential arrest. On Jan. 21, his 64th birthday, he reassured the public via Facebook that he is “alive and well” and “seeking justice to emerge,” maintaining a patient and composed demeanor.
Alongside Dela Rosa, Go, and Aguirre, the ICC named the following individuals:
Vicente Danao – Former Davao City Police chief (2013–2016); PNP counterintelligence chief (2016–2017); Deputy Director for Operations, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (2017–2018); Manila Police District Director (2018–2019)
Camilo Cascolan (deceased) – Former finance chief of Davao Region Police (2011–2012); PNP Directorate for Operations chief (2016–2018); NCRPO Director (2018); Chief of Staff, PNP Office of the Chief of Directorial Staff (2018–2019)
Oscar Albayalde – NCRPO Director (2016–2018); PNP Chief (2018–2019)
Dante Gierran – NBI Davao Director (2013–2016); NBI Director (2016–2020)
Isidro Lapeña – PDEA Chief (2016–2017)
Unnamed members of the PNP and senior government officials were also cited.
According to the ICC, Duterte, Go, and the other officials allegedly relied on Davao City police, non-police operatives, and the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS) to carry out killings during Duterte’s mayoral term from June 30, 2013, to June 30, 2016.
“Through their official and unofficial authority, one or more of the Co-Perpetrators managed a power structure—including local police and DDS hierarchies—that enabled them to control the actions of those carrying out the crimes,” the document stated.
As mayor, Duterte was described as being at the “apex” of the police and city structures, with authority over PNP units in Davao City and the participation of city hall employees and barangay officials in facilitating the alleged crimes. Barangay handlers reportedly reported to a combination of police and co-perpetrators, including Dela Rosa, Danao, Sonny Buenaventura (Duterte’s driver and bodyguard), and Go, who then reported to Duterte. The approval of the former mayor was reportedly required for DDS killings in Davao City.
During Duterte’s presidency, the alleged co-perpetrators reportedly extended the plan nationwide, maintaining control over those executing the killings through established chains of command and financial incentives.
The state news agency also reported that the ICC document also outlined three counts of crimes against humanity for which Duterte is considered indirectly responsible:
- Murders in and around Davao City during his mayoral term
- Murders of high-value targets during his presidency
- Murders and attempted murders in barangay anti-drug operations during his presidency
Duterte, who has been detained at the ICC in The Hague since March 11, 2025, is scheduled to attend his confirmation hearing on Feb. 23.
