Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said the International Criminal Court is now focusing its investigation on Senator Bong Go and former Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde over their alleged roles in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
“Ina-assess ngayon ng ICC yung kaso ni Bong Go, at probably si General Albayalde. So sila yung binibigyan ng atensyon,” Trillanes said in an interview on The Newsmaker.
[Translation: The ICC is now assessing the case of Bong Go, and probably General Albayalde as well. They are the ones being given attention.]
Describing the roles of Go and Albayalde, Trillanes said both were “critical figures” in the anti-drug campaign.
He said Metro Manila was the hotspot of the war on drug killings under his watch as police chief.
“He carried out Oplan Tokhang,” he said, referring to the drug war campaign.
Trillanes said Go, meanwhile, headed a unit.
“Si Bong Go naman, siya yung nag-head ng special operations branch… so talagang integral sila sa commission of the crime,” he said.
[Translation: Bong Go headed the special operations branch… so they were truly integral to the commission of the crime.]
Asked whether arrest warrants could be issued within the year, Trillanes said: “I certainly hope so.”
Duterte delaying strategy
Trillanes welcomed the ICC pre-trial chamber’s decision to set a confirmation of charges hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 23, calling it a significant development.
“Unang-una, we welcome natin itong confirmation of charges hearing na sinet ng ICC pre-trial
However, he said former President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to pursue delaying tactics because “that’s all they have.”
“Pag natuloy ito sa February 23, maseset yung trial probably around June at tuloy-tuloy na yun, hindi na yun hihinto,” he added.
[Translation: If this pushes through on Feb. 23, the trial will likely be set around June and it will continue without stopping.]
Trillanes said prosecutors have extensive evidence, while the defense has little to counter it.
The ICC investigation covers alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of deaths during Duterte’s’ anti-drug campaign.
NewsWatch Plus is reaching out to Go and Albayalde for comments.
