Two Philippine senators, Ronald Dela Rosa and Christopher Go, have been identified as “co-perpetrators” in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, according to a document released by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s office. The naming of the senators marks a significant development in the ICC’s investigation into the “war on drugs” campaign that left thousands dead.
The ICC prosecutor’s office alleges that Dela Rosa, as the national police chief during the early stages of the drug war, and Go, a former special assistant to President Duterte, played key roles in the systematic killings carried out between November 1, 2016, and March 16, 2019. The formal charges were outlined in a document released by the ICC, detailing the basis for the investigation.
According to reports from the South China Morning Post, ICC prosecutors contend that Dela Rosa mobilized and directed police units to carry out extrajudicial killings, while Go allegedly facilitated the cover-up of these crimes and ensured the protection of those responsible. The investigation focuses on the Davao City-based “Davao Death Squad,” which allegedly continued operating under Duterte’s national administration.
The ICC’s investigation was initially paused in 2021 at the request of the Philippine government, which claimed it was conducting its own investigations. However, the ICC prosecutor’s office resumed its inquiry in 2022, citing a lack of genuine investigations by Philippine authorities. The Philippine government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Has signaled a more cooperative stance toward the ICC, but has not formally rejoined the court after withdrawing in 2019.
Both Dela Rosa and Go have previously defended their roles in the drug war. Dela Rosa, who is now a senator, previously headed the Philippine National Police during the initial, most violent phase of the campaign. Go served as Duterte’s closest aide for many years and played a key role in implementing presidential directives.
The ICC has not yet issued arrest warrants for Dela Rosa or Go, and the process for doing so remains unclear. The court’s jurisdiction over the alleged crimes is based on the Philippines’ membership in the ICC at the time the crimes were committed. The ICC prosecutor’s office has stated it intends to seek cooperation from the Philippine government in investigating the allegations.
As of February 14, 2026, the Philippine government has not issued a formal response to the ICC’s naming of the two senators. The ICC continues to gather evidence and prepare its case, with the next scheduled step being a review of the prosecutor’s findings by the ICC’s pre-trial division.
