Philippine senator evades ICC arrest over Duterte drug war

Philippine authorities on Monday announced they would not immediately arrest Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for his alleged role in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war. Dela Rosa, nicknamed “Bato,” served as police chief and Duterte’s top enforcer during the bloody crackdown. He had not been seen publicly since November before taking refuge in the Senate building. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag told reporters that Dela Rosa would be treated as if in the custody of the Senate, citing the principle of coequal branches of government. Matibag expressed hope that the Senate would present Dela Rosa if needed for legal proceedings.

The standoff capped a lengthy Senate standoff after lawmakers refused to allow Dela Rosa’s arrest. The Senate was placed on “lockdown,” with barbed wire and riot police surrounding the compound’s closed gates. Around 50 protesters outside screamed “NBI go home!” at officers who had come to arrest the senator. The ICC has been investigating Duterte’s drug war, which claimed thousands of lives, and has issued warrants for key figures. Dela Rosa’s immunity as a sitting senator has created a legal impasse, highlighting tensions between international justice and domestic sovereignty.