Philippines Issues Warning to Dela Rosa Amid ICC Arrest Warrant

Post by : Shakul

Philippine officials have issued a stark warning to Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, advising him against leaving the nation following the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant connected to the country’s controversial anti-drug campaign. The government has stressed that any attempts to flee will be taken seriously and will result in immediate legal action.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that Manila has received the arrest order from the ICC. However, enforcement is pending until the Philippine Supreme Court resolves Dela Rosa’s legal petition contesting the legitimacy of the warrant.

Dela Rosa, a staunch ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, reportedly dodged arrest earlier this week by seeking refuge within the confines of the Philippine Senate. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano allegedly intervened to prevent law enforcement agencies from executing the warrant at that time. Afterward, Dela Rosa exited the Senate without disclosing his whereabouts.

The ICC unsealed the warrant on Monday, alleging that Dela Rosa and several co-perpetrators are guilty of crimes against humanity due to the killings associated with Duterte’s anti-drug initiatives. Human rights advocates have long accused this campaign of permitting extrajudicial killings of supposed drug users and street-level dealers.

Dela Rosa led the Philippine National Police between 2016 and 2018 during the tumultuous initial phase of Duterte’s drug war and subsequently entered the political arena, winning election to the Senate in 2019, where he now serves a second term.

Officials have directed border and law enforcement agencies nationwide to monitor any potential attempts by Dela Rosa to exit the Philippines. They have stated that should he pursue international travel, prompt legal and arrest measures would be activated.

This situation has exacerbated political discord in the Philippines, with Duterte's supporters continuing to champion the anti-drug campaign for its perceived reduction in crime rates. In stark contrast, opponents argue that the campaign has resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people and demand accountability.

Last year, former President Duterte was detained and subsequently transferred to The Hague in the Netherlands, where he awaits trial by the ICC. Dela Rosa has asserted that if charges are brought against him, he would rather confront them domestically than in an international tribunal.