Philippine Justice Department Orders Arrest of Senator Wanted by ICC Over Drug War Case

The Philippine Justice Department has ordered law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a former national police chief who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes linked to the country’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida directed security agencies on Thursday to apprehend the senator, stating that authorities already have “leads” on his whereabouts. He warned that anyone found assisting him in evading arrest would face legal consequences.

The directive comes just a day after a court rejected dela Rosa’s petition seeking to block his arrest, clearing the way for authorities to proceed with enforcement actions tied to the ICC warrant.

Dela Rosa, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte and a key figure in the administration’s war on drugs, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. He has also questioned the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the tribunal in 2019 invalidates its authority over the case.

However, the ICC maintains that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member state. The case is part of a wider investigation into thousands of deaths linked to the anti-drug crackdown between 2016 and 2022.

Authorities have not disclosed the senator’s exact location but confirmed that surveillance and tracking efforts are ongoing. The situation has intensified political tensions in Manila, where the case continues to divide lawmakers, legal experts, and human rights advocates.