Philippines orders arrest of fugitive senator wanted by ICC
Summary
The Philippine justice secretary has ordered police to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during the country’s war on drugs. The Philippine Supreme Court rejected his attempt to stop the arrest, and authorities are actively searching for him after he disappeared following a brief refuge in the Senate.Key Facts
- Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the war on drugs under President Duterte.
- The Philippine justice secretary has ordered law enforcement to arrest dela Rosa and warned that anyone helping him avoid capture would face consequences.
- The Philippine Supreme Court rejected dela Rosa’s bid to block his arrest.
- Dela Rosa hid for six months, briefly took shelter in the Senate, and then left quietly in early May after a violent incident.
- The ICC estimates between 12,000 and 30,000 people were killed during Duterte’s war on drugs from 2016 to 2019.
- Dela Rosa denies any involvement in illegal killings during this campaign.
- President Duterte is also accused of crimes against humanity and has been held by the ICC since March 2025.
- The Philippine National Police said they will follow the law in dealing with the arrest but did not confirm they would detain dela Rosa immediately.
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