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Philippine senators Go, Dela Rosa helped Duterte wage drug war: ICC prosecutors

The two sitting senators are among eight officials linked to the ex-president’s crimes against humanity charges, an ICC document says

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Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte listens to then police director general Ronald Dela Rosa during a press conference on  January 30, 2017. Photo: AFP
Agence France-Presse
Two sitting Philippine senators have been identified as “co-perpetrators” in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity trial at the International Criminal Court, documents released by prosecutors show.

Senators Ronald Dela Rosa and Christopher Go are among eight current and former officials named in a document posted to the court’s website on Friday.

ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders as part of his “war on drugs”.
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“Duterte and his co-perpetrators shared a common plan or agreement to ‘neutralise’ alleged criminals in the Philippines – including those perceived or alleged to be associated with drug use, sale or production – through violent crimes including murder,” the prosecution document reads.

Dela Rosa, the former national police chief and enforcer of Duterte’s drug war, has previously said he believed he faced potential arrest and has not been seen publicly in months.

Christopher Bong Go addresses a rally. Photo: Facebook/Christopher Bong Go
Christopher Bong Go addresses a rally. Photo: Facebook/Christopher Bong Go

Go, re-elected in May in a landslide victory, was a key lieutenant of Duterte both during the latter’s term as mayor of southern Davao City and while president.

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