Manila Senator Faces ICC Arrest Warrant in Drug War Investigation
Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa has declared he will oppose any move to send him to the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the release of an arrest warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity connected to the country’s controversial anti-drug operations.
Dela Rosa, who previously served as the national police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte, denied supporting unlawful killings during the nationwide crackdown on illegal drugs. The ICC alleges that at least 32 people were killed between 2016 and 2018 as part of the campaign.
The senator said he is prepared to defend himself in Philippine courts but rejected the idea of being tried by an international tribunal in The Hague.
Senate Protection and Political Tension Intensify
After returning to the Senate following months away from public appearances, dela Rosa was reportedly placed under “protective custody” inside the Senate complex. Security around the area increased as concerns grew over a possible arrest attempt linked to the ICC warrant.
Reports indicated that law enforcement personnel attempted to approach the senator inside the Senate building, adding to political tension in the Philippines. Supporters of dela Rosa argued that any arrest should go through Philippine legal procedures first.
The ICC warrant was originally issued confidentially before being publicly revealed this week. The court claims dela Rosa played a major role in implementing Duterte’s anti-drug campaign while serving as police chief.
ICC Investigation Continues Despite Philippines Withdrawal
Although the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the tribunal maintains that it still has authority over alleged crimes committed while the country was a member.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is already facing separate proceedings related to the same anti-drug operations, which international human rights groups say resulted in thousands of deaths, many involving poor communities and suspected drug offenders.
Philippine authorities stated that any cooperation with the ICC would likely happen through international police coordination channels. Meanwhile, dela Rosa’s legal team is reportedly seeking court protection to stop any transfer to the international court.
