ICC Confirms Warrant for Sen. Dela Rosa; Senate Blocks Arrest

MANILA, Philippines -- The International Criminal Court confirmed on May 11, 2026, the authenticity of an arrest warrant for Philippine Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, accusing him of crimes against humanity related to at least 32 killings during the 2016-2018 anti-drug campaign, as National Bureau of Investigation agents attempted to arrest him inside the Senate building.

Pre-Trial Chamber I issued the warrant on November 6, 2025, initially under seal, charging dela Rosa as an indirect co-perpetrator of murder under the Rome Statute. Prosecutors alleged the deaths occurred as part of a widespread attack on civilians suspected of drug activities between July 2016 and April 2018, when dela Rosa served as Philippine National Police chief. The chamber cited his public statements condoning killings, appointments of officials, logistical support, promises of impunity, and rewards for officers, linking the operations to a plan that began with the Davao Death Squad and expanded nationwide under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dela Rosa, absent from public view since November 2025, reappeared at the Senate that day to vote in a 13-9 leadership change that replaced Senate President...