Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, a former Philippine police chief, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity over his role in Rodrigo Duterte's deadly 'war on drugs.' He has gone into hiding after a dramatic escape from the senate building in Manila last week, prompting the justice secretary to order his arrest as a 'fugitive from justice.'
Who is Ronald dela Rosa?
Dela Rosa, 64, is a Philippine senator and former head of the national police, known as the chief enforcer of Duterte's anti-drug campaign. Nicknamed 'Bato' (rock), he cultivated a tough image, often making violent threats against drug dealers. His close ties with Duterte date back to their shared roots in Davao, where dela Rosa served as city police chief from 2012-13 while Duterte was mayor. It was in Davao that Duterte first implemented his ruthless approach, establishing the Davao Death Squad (DDS), a group of police and hitmen tasked with killing alleged criminals. ICC prosecutors accuse dela Rosa of helping recruit individuals and direct the group.
When Duterte became president in 2016, he appointed dela Rosa as national police chief to implement the 'war on drugs' nationwide. Dela Rosa vowed to 'crush' drug lords and once told surrendering users to 'kill' drug lords by burning their houses. Police report over 6,000 suspects killed in official operations during Duterte's presidency, but activists estimate the real toll may reach 30,000. After leaving the police, dela Rosa headed the Bureau of Corrections before winning a senate seat in 2019 and a second term in May 2025.
Why is he wanted by the ICC?
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for dela Rosa for alleged crimes against humanity, accusing him of implementing the 'war on drugs' at a national level. The warrant, first issued confidentially in November but unsealed this month, alleges he encouraged police to legitimize killings through fictitious self-defense, promised impunity, ordered specific killings, and rewarded perpetrators. It also accuses him of recruiting individuals he could 'trust and control' for the DDS in Davao, where members were killed for opposing orders or having too much information. Dela Rosa has denied involvement in illegal killings, as has Duterte, who is imprisoned awaiting trial in The Hague.
Where is Dela Rosa?
Dela Rosa was last seen in public at the senate last week, making a surprise appearance after six months in hiding to vote on a measure benefiting Vice-President Sara Duterte, the former leader's daughter. In dramatic scenes, he was chased by government agents through hallways and staircases but managed to escape. Allies granted him protective custody inside the senate for three days, leading to a standoff that escalated into gunfire. He disappeared from the building early on May 14, reportedly driving off in an SUV with another Duterte-aligned senator. His current whereabouts are unknown.
What happens next?
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced on May 15 that law enforcement has been ordered to apprehend dela Rosa after the Supreme Court rejected his attempts to block arrest. 'We are pursuing this so that the ends of justice may be achieved,' Vida said. Many questions remain, including how dela Rosa escaped the heavily guarded senate and why authorities did not act on the ICC warrant since November. Vida said agencies have 'leads' on his whereabouts and expect to arrest him soon. In the unpredictable world of Philippine politics, the outcome remains uncertain.
