Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a key figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs,” is now a fugitive wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Philippine authorities.
Recap: What Happened in the Senate?
After six months in hiding to avoid an ICC arrest warrant, Dela Rosa appeared at the Senate on May 11, 2026, where he cast a decisive vote that helped elect his ally, Alan Peter Cayetano, as Senate president.
Following a shooting incident that occurred at the Senate on May 13, 2026, Dela Rosa disappeared again, reportedly with assistance from Senator Robin Padilla. Security footage captured National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents pursuing Dela Rosa; in the early hours of May 14, Dela Rosa left the Senate complex unnoticed.
Why is Dela Rosa being charged?
The ICC unsealed an arrest warrant for Dela Rosa on May 11, 2026, citing his alleged role as an “indirect co-perpetrator” in the deaths of at least 32 people between 2016 and 2018 during Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
As former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and later as a senator, Dela Rosa is accused of participating in a coordinated plan to target suspected criminals, a campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths.
Dela Rosa filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) in November 2025 seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block the issuance of the ICC warrant. The court, however, denied his request, handing down a 9-5-1 decision on May 20, 2026.
Six of the nine SC justices who refused Dela Rosa’s request were appointed by Duterte.
Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa criticized the idea of the SC protecting a government official accused of mass murder and facing charges before an international court for serious legal violations.
Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh rejected the argument that only local warrants are valid, stating that the ICC is not a foreign entity intruding on Philippine soil, but a legitimate international tribunal established by treaty to prosecute major crimes and that depends on the cooperation of states.
ICC warrant moves forward
Initially, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and executive agencies delayed action on executing the ICC arrest warrant, stating they would wait for the SC decision. Following the rejection of the TRO, the DOJ instructed the PNP and the NBI to enforce the ICC warrant for Dela Rosa.
While the Rodrigo Duterte administration rejected the ICC’s authority, the current administration acknowledged the legal basis for cooperation, citing Republic Act 9851. This law permits the surrender of suspects to the international tribunal even after the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
Dela Rosa is still at large, with authorities tracking his movements and prepared to intervene if he tries to exit the country. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said his department is considering offering a reward for his capture.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the PNP had filed an obstruction of justice complaint against Senator Robin Padilla, alleging he orchestrated Dela Rosa’s escape from the Senate. Padilla’s actions were allegedly part of a “highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver” intended to obstruct law enforcement.
Photo © Emmalyn L. Kotte