THE INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) has released the “Lesser Redacted” version of the Document Containing Charges (DCC) against former President Rodrigo Duterte, naming high-ranking Philippine officials as “co-perpetrators” in the bloody war on drugs.
The 16-page document, made public on Feb. 13, 2026, alleged that between Nov. 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, Duterte and several allies shared a “common plan” to “neutralize” suspected criminals through murder and other violent crimes.
The prosecution identified several current and former high-ranking officials as co-perpetrators:
- Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go
- Police officials: Former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde, Vicente Danao, Isidro Lapeña, and the late former PNP chief Camilo Cascolan.
- Former NBI director Dante Gierran.
- Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II.
Meanwhile, TIMES tried to reach out to some of the former PNP officials and secretaries and is still waiting for their response regarding the matter.
The ICC prosecution is pursuing charges of crimes against humanity, murder, and attempted murder, specifically focusing on three key periods:
- Davao City (2013–2016): 19 alleged murders committed during Duterte’s tenure as mayor.
- High-Value Targets (2016–2017): 14 murders of individuals identified as significant figures in the drug trade.
- Nationwide Operations (2016–2018): 45 victims across the country, including 43 murders and 2 attempted murders, involving three children.
The Feb. 23 hearing
Despite defense efforts to delay the case due to the 80-year-old former president’s health, Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled on Jan. 26 that Duterte is fit to stand trial. The Confirmation of Charges hearing is scheduled to begin on Feb. 23, 2026, in Courtroom I at The Hague.
During this four-day proceeding, judges will determine if there is sufficient evidence to establish “substantial grounds” that Duterte committed these crimes. If confirmed, the case will officially move to a Trial Chamber for a full trial.
The Philippine government has recently reiterated that it will not interfere with the ICC’s judicial processes.
