Government lawyers in the Philippines have urged the country’s Supreme Court to dismiss a petition filed by Senator Ronald dela Rosa seeking protection from arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The case is linked to the deadly anti-drug campaign carried out during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Dela Rosa, who served as the country’s national police chief during the controversial crackdown, is facing accusations of crimes against humanity connected to thousands of killings during anti-drug operations.
Government Challenges Senator’s Petition
The Office of the Solicitor General argued that dela Rosa’s request to stop any arrest or extradition should not be granted. Government lawyers stated that Philippine law still allows authorities to cooperate with international legal processes despite the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2019.
Officials pointed to Republic Act 9851, which covers crimes against humanity and other international offenses, as legal support for enforcing international arrest warrants.
The government also criticized the senator for allegedly trying to avoid accountability while asking the courts for protection. Authorities noted that dela Rosa had reportedly gone into hiding following reports of an ICC arrest warrant.
ICC Case Linked to Duterte Drug War
The ICC investigation focuses on alleged human rights violations during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which drew international criticism due to the high number of deaths during police operations.
Dela Rosa played a major role in the implementation of the campaign while serving as police chief. Prosecutors at the ICC claim the operations may amount to crimes against humanity.
Former President Duterte is already facing separate proceedings at The Hague over similar allegations connected to the anti-drug crackdown.
Political Tensions Continue in Philippines
The legal battle has intensified political tensions in the Philippines, especially among Duterte allies and supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Recent developments involving Senate leadership changes and public disputes over the ICC investigation have added to the country’s growing political uncertainty.
Human rights groups continue to push for accountability, while Duterte allies argue that the ICC no longer has authority because the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute several years ago.
