With Rodrigo Duterte set to face a key hearing at the International Criminal Court later this month, a global human rights coalition is calling on ICC judges to immediately expand the case by issuing arrest warrants against other Philippine officials accused of involvement in the same alleged crimes.
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) said the court’s recent decision to disclose names previously removed from filings should be followed by concrete legal action, arguing that the officials tagged as alleged “co-perpetrators” must be brought before the tribunal.
“It remains abundantly clear that the Philippine judicial system is unable to prosecute these alleged co-perpetrators. While still at large they are a risk for destruction of evidence, intimidation of witnesses and also flight risks,” ICHRP Chairperson Peter Murphy said.
The ICC is scheduled to hold Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing on Feb. 23, with additional sessions set for Feb. 24, 26 and 27. Duterte is currently in custody in The Hague.
Murphy said the upcoming proceedings could mark a major step for families of those killed during the anti-drug crackdown, describing the hearing as a long-awaited moment in their pursuit of accountability.
“The many victims of disgraced former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will at last see progress with the confirmation of charges hearing on February 23, and we urge the ICC to ensure that justice is seen to be done,” Murphy said.
ICC prosecutors, in a document released on Feb. 13, named several officials they allege played roles in what they described as a coordinated campaign of killings connected to Duterte’s war on drugs.
Among those identified were Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, and several former chiefs of the Philippine National Police.
Aguirre and Go have denied any involvement in the alleged abuses linked to the anti-drug campaign. Dela Rosa, known for leading “Oplan Tokhang,” has been absent from Senate sessions since November 2025 after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that an arrest warrant had been issued against him.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I has earlier turned down requests from Duterte’s defense team seeking his release, the suspension of proceedings, or dismissal of the case based on claims of unfairness.
The confirmation proceedings will determine whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to full trial.
