The prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday placed strong emphasis on individuals it described as former President Rodrigo Duterte’s co-perpetrators in the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign, arguing that the alleged crimes were carried out through a coordinated network of officials and allies.

During the first day of Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing, ICC Senior Trial Lawyer Julian Nicholls told the chamber that Duterte “did not commit these crimes alone,” pointing to several key figures who allegedly played roles in implementing what prosecutors called the “Davao model” of anti-crime operations.

Nicholls said the prosecution had outlined the alleged co-perpetrators in its pre-confirmation brief and introduced some of them in open court as part of its presentation.

“Mr. Duterte did not commit these crimes alone. We discussed the co-perpetrators, including during the mayoral period, in our pre-confirmation brief,” the prosecutor said.

Among those named was Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who served as chief of the Davao City Police Office from 2012 to 2013. Prosecutors identified him as a central figure in local law enforcement during Duterte’s tenure as mayor and later as a key implementer of the national anti-drug campaign when Duterte became president.

Also cited was Vicente Danao, another former Davao police chief during the covered period. Nicholls indicated that senior police officials in Davao were instrumental in carrying out operations that the prosecution alleges amounted to systematic killings.

The prosecution likewise named Christopher 'Bong' Go, Duterte’s longtime aide and special assistant from 1998 to 2016, who continued to serve in his inner circle during the presidency. Nicholls described Go as an “important advisor” during the Davao years and beyond.

Another individual mentioned was Dante Gierran, identified in court as a regional director of the National Bureau of Investigation during the relevant period. Prosecutors suggested that national investigative structures were part of the broader system surrounding Duterte.

Nicholls also referred to Vitaliano Aguirre II, a lawyer for Duterte and for alleged members of the so-called Davao Death Squad during the mayoral period. Aguirre later served as justice secretary under Duterte’s administration.

According to the prosecution, these individuals were part of a coordinated structure that supported and enabled what it described as a policy of extrajudicial killings disguised as anti-crime operations.

The ICC’s jurisdiction in the case covers alleged crimes committed between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019.

Nicholls said further details regarding the specific roles and responsibilities of each alleged co-perpetrator would be presented in subsequent hearings, with another prosecutor scheduled to elaborate on their involvement.

Duterte has consistently denied ordering unlawful killings and has defended his anti-drug campaign as a legitimate crackdown on crime.

The ICC proceedings remain ongoing as judges assess the prosecution’s evidence and arguments.