Philippine Authorities Probe Possible Escape of ICC-Wanted Senator

Philippine authorities are seeking to confirm whether Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), has fled the Senate complex following a night of chaos and gunfire that shook the country’s political establishment.

Dela Rosa, a former national police chief and close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is accused by the ICC of crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths during police operations and vigilante-style killings.

The senator had reportedly taken refuge inside the heavily guarded Senate building earlier this week after the ICC unsealed an arrest warrant against him. Authorities attempted to locate and possibly arrest him, triggering a tense standoff between security agents, Senate officials, and Dela Rosa’s supporters.

On Wednesday night, gunshots rang out within the Senate premises, causing panic among lawmakers, staff, and journalists. Philippine officials said no casualties were reported, though one person was detained as investigators tried to determine who fired the shots and whether the incident was part of a coordinated attempt to create confusion.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities were now attempting to verify reports that Dela Rosa may have secretly left the Senate compound before dawn. However, his lawyer insisted he had no confirmed information that the senator had fled.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said armed men had attempted to enter the Senate building during the unrest, prompting security personnel to fire warning shots. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied allegations that the government orchestrated the incident or ordered Dela Rosa’s arrest.

The incident has intensified political tensions in the Philippines, where divisions between the Marcos administration and the Duterte political camp have deepened in recent months. Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, is already facing political pressure and impeachment proceedings while visiting her father in The Hague.

The ICC investigation into the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign has remained controversial since the country withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the court maintains it still has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal took effect.