ICC document exposes alleged drug war mastermind network

NEW YORK - The International Criminal Court (ICC) has released a less-redacted version of the Document Containing the Charges (DCC) against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, revealing for the first time the names of several alleged co-perpetrators linked to the controversial “war on drugs.”

The DCC—similar to an “Information” in Philippine criminal procedure—was originally filed in July 2025 and made public in September 2025. However, key details, including the identities of individuals alleged to have played central roles in the killings, were redacted at the time.

Named Alleged Co-Perpetrators

According to the updated document, the following individuals are listed as alleged co-perpetrators or key figures connected to the implementation of the anti-drug campaign:

• Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa – former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief

• Vicente Danao – former PNP counter-intelligence and operations director, CIDG operations chief, and Manila Police District director

• Camilo Cascolan † – former PNP operations chief

• Oscar Albayalde – former NCRPO chief, later PNP chief

• Christopher “Bong” Go – former Special Assistant to the President

• Dante Gierran – former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director

• Isidro Lapeña – former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief

• Vitaliano Aguirre II – former Secretary of Justice

  
  

Alleged Structure of the Campaign

Based on the prosecution’s theory, the inclusion of top police officials and heads of investigative agencies suggests the campaign was designed not only for operational execution but also to ensure protection from investigation or prosecution.

Prosecutors argue that the alleged involvement of officials from agencies tasked with investigating crimes is material to establishing the existence of a coordinated plan. The DCC also emphasizes that the anti-drug operations at issue allegedly originated in Davao City before being implemented nationwide.

Next Key Hearing

The charges are scheduled to be formally read during the confirmation of charges hearing on February 23, 2026, where ICC judges will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

If the charges are confirmed, the case will move to the trial phase, where prosecutors must prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.