In a firm and unequivocal response, Senator Bong Go has vehemently denied allegations that implicate him in crimes against humanity related to the controversial anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. This denial comes alongside his rejection of details outlined in a document released by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Statement Issued After ICC Document Release
Following the publication of the "censored" Document Containing the Charges on February 13, 2026, Go issued a statement asserting that he only recently became aware his name was included by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor as one of the alleged "co-perpetrators." The senator categorically dismissed these accusations, labeling them as a misrepresentation of his role during his years of public service under Duterte.
Claims of No Operational Authority
Go emphasized that he held no operational power over police or law enforcement units during the timeframe covered by the ICC investigation. He appealed to the public, insisting that his government work has always been guided by legal and moral principles, aiming to distance himself from the violent methods described in the ICC documents.
ICC Document Details and Other Named Individuals
The ICC documents identify several other personalities as "co-perpetrators" in what prosecutors describe as a "common plan" to eliminate suspected criminals through violent means between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. Among those named is Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and a key architect of the Duterte administration's drug war. As of now, dela Rosa has not released an official statement regarding these allegations.
Additional Figures Mentioned
Other individuals referenced in the document include former and current police and government officials such as Vicente Danao, Camilo Cascolan, Oscar Albayalde, Dante Gierran, Isidro Lapeña, and Vitaliano Aguirre II, along with other PNP members and senior officials. This broad listing underscores the ICC's focus on multiple layers of involvement in the anti-drug operations.
The senator's denial adds to the ongoing international scrutiny of the Philippines' drug war, highlighting tensions between national sovereignty and global judicial oversight. As the ICC continues its probe, responses from other named individuals are anticipated, potentially shaping future legal and political developments in the region.
