Two sitting Philippine senators have been identified as “co-perpetrators” in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to documents released by prosecutors.
Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go are among eight current and former officials named in a document dated February 13. Former Philippine justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who previously served as Duterte’s lawyer in cases involving the so-called “Davao Death Squad,” is also among those named.
The ICC prosecution alleges that Duterte and his “co-perpetrators” shared a “common plan or agreement” to “neutralise” alleged criminals in the Philippines through violent crimes, including murder. The charges against Duterte include involvement in at least 76 murders as part of his “war on drugs.”
Dela Rosa, formerly the national police chief and enforcer of Duterte’s drug war, has reportedly been in hiding for months, believing he faced potential arrest. Go, who was re-elected to the Senate in May, served as a key lieutenant to Duterte during his time as mayor of Davao City and as president from 2016 to 2022.
The ICC has also allowed the addition of 500 more complainants against Duterte in the trial. Duterte is scheduled to face a “confirmation of charges” hearing on February 23, where judges will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Judges have already rejected arguments that the 80-year-traditional is unfit to stand trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the eight alleged co-perpetrators named by ICC prosecutors?
The eight individuals named are former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) regional director Vicente Danao, former NCRPO regional director Camilo Cascolan, former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Dante Gierran, former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Isidro Lapeña, and former Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II.
What are the charges against Duterte?
ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in 19 murders between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor of Davao City, 14 murders of “High Value Targets” between 2016 and 2017 while he was president, and 43 murders during “clearance” operations between 2016, and 2018.
When will the confirmation of charges hearing take place?
The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled to initiate on February 23. During this hearing, judges will decide whether the prosecution’s allegations are strong enough to proceed to trial.
As the ICC proceeds with its investigation, what impact will these developments have on the political landscape in the Philippines?
