Rights group presses ICC: Issue arrest warrants vs Duterte allies now

An international rights coalition on ramped up pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging judges to swiftly issue arrest warrants against former and sitting Philippine officials tagged as “co-perpetrators” in the alleged crimes against humanity tied to Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) welcomed the ICC’s public naming of officials previously redacted in court filings and said they should stand trial alongside Duterte, who is now in custody of The Hague Tribunal Court.

“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 call comes ahead of Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing on Feb. 23, with additional hearing dates set for 24, 26 and 27 February.

The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I earlier rejected defense arguments seeking Duterte’s release, adjournment of proceedings, or dismissal on grounds of alleged unfairness.

In a document released on 13 February, ICC prosecutors identified alleged co-conspirators in what they describe as a coordinated campaign of killings under the anti-drug crackdown.

Among those named 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 involvement in the drug war’s alleged excesses. Dela Rosa, widely known as the architect of “Oplan Tokhang,” has not attended Senate sessions since November 2025 after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that an arrest warrant had been issued against him.

ICHRP said the 23 February hearing offers a long-awaited turning point for victims’ families.

“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.

The confirmation proceedings will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move the case to full trial—an inflection point that rights advocates say must be matched by concrete steps to secure the appearance of all alleged co-perpetrators before the court.