Philippines Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was seen fleeing government agents in dramatic security footage captured inside the Philippine senate. The former police chief, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to Duterte's anti-drug crackdown, spent the night at the senate office after another Duterte ally offered protective custody.
Chaotic Pursuit in Senate Hallways
The unusual pursuit was recorded by CCTV cameras as Dela Rosa raced along the hallways of the upper house complex, even stumbling on a staircase while trying to evade arrest. In a Facebook livestream later, he pleaded for public support, claiming, "They want to forcibly bring me to The Hague." Dela Rosa served as police chief under Duterte and is named as a co-perpetrator in the ICC case accusing the former leader of crimes against humanity over the deadly anti-drug operations that killed thousands.
Senate Compound Under Siege
By evening, barbed wire and riot police surrounded the senate compound. The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines called for calm, reporting that media workers were blocked from leaving or entering the complex. Dela Rosa slept at the senate office overnight after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, another Duterte ally, announced protective custody. Dela Rosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Political Turmoil and Power Struggle
The chaos coincided with a lower house vote to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter, marking a dramatic day in Philippine politics. This is the latest chapter in a bitter power struggle between Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who were once allies but are now embroiled in a fierce feud. The feud intensified last year when Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and flown to the ICC in The Hague.
ICC Arrest Warrant and Senate Dynamics
The ICC's arrest warrant for Dela Rosa was issued confidentially in November. Unconfirmed reports of his impending arrest had circulated for months, keeping him away from the senate. He chose to attend Monday's hearing when senators elected Cayetano as president. Cayetano stated the senate would only allow an arrest "under the condition that it is a Philippine court." Cayetano's appointment underscores the Dutertes' stronger position in the senate, crucial for the vice-president's survival after the impeachment vote.
Impeachment and Future Implications
The complaints against Sara Duterte—misusing public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening the president and first lady—will be sent to the senate for trial. If found guilty, she would be banned from public office, derailing her 2028 presidential bid. She needs only nine senators to back her for acquittal. Analysts say the outcome depends not only on the trial but also on how damaging the hearings are to her campaign.
Political science professor Jean Encinas-Franco noted, "If [the Dutertes] have the majority [in the senate], they can allow or not allow some pieces of evidence or witnesses." Despite legal battles, Sara Duterte leads in opinion polls. Both Dutertes deny wrongdoing.
Victims' Families Demand Justice
Families of those killed in the anti-drug crackdowns called for Dela Rosa's handover to the ICC. Llore Pasco, who lost two sons, said, "He played a major role in carrying out Duterte's bloody war on drugs. Like Duterte, he deserves to be jailed and held accountable." Dela Rosa was seen emerging from a fellow senator's office in casual attire; it remains unclear how long he will stay or what will happen next.
