Philippine authorities are investigating reports that a lawmaker wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has fled the Senate premises where he had been evading arrest for days. Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, a key figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly anti-drug crackdown, is alleged to have slipped out of the heavily guarded building before dawn on Thursday.
Authorities Seek Confirmation
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Clare Castro told a press conference that multiple sources indicated Dela Rosa had left the Senate, but official confirmation was still pending. "Several sources confirmed that the Senator, Senator Bato, is no longer in the Senate premises, but we are still getting official confirmation," she said, adding that no arrest operations had been launched so far.
Background of the Case
Dela Rosa, who served as national police chief under Duterte, is wanted by the ICC for his alleged role in overseeing the "war on drugs" that resulted in thousands of deaths. He is one of eight co-perpetrators named in the ICC case against Duterte, who is now detained at The Hague. An arrest warrant accuses Dela Rosa of "authorising, condoning and promoting" drug war killings, providing weapons, promising impunity, and rewarding perpetrators.
Earlier this week, Dela Rosa avoided arrest by outrunning government agents and seeking protective custody from allies in the Senate chamber. The situation escalated on Wednesday night when gunshots were heard inside the Senate building, forcing journalists to take cover. President Ferdinand Marcos later stated that no government personnel were involved in the shooting and questioned whether it was an attempt to destabilise the government.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have detained a person in connection with the shooting incident. Brigadier-General Randulf Tuano confirmed that a man was apprehended on the second floor of the Senate building. Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said Senate security fired warning shots at unknown armed men who had entered the stairway. Marcos reiterated that there were no instructions to arrest Dela Rosa, and an investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Dela Rosa's Denial
Dela Rosa has denied any wrongdoing and did not respond to requests for comment. His lawyer, Jimmy Bondoc, said he spoke with Dela Rosa during the night and believed he was still inside the Senate. "I asked him if you have plans to leave, he said none," Bondoc told reporters.
The ICC arrest warrant against Dela Rosa was unsealed on Monday, accusing him of authorising, condoning, and promoting the drug war killings, providing weapons, promising impunity, and rewarding perpetrators. The case has drawn international attention, with activists calling for his arrest and protesting outside the Senate.
