The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed the release of an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, who is identified as a "co-perpetrator" with detained former President Rodrigo Duterte in crimes against humanity during the implementation of the war on illegal drugs.
ICC Statement
In a video message, ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet said that the judges of Pre-Trial Chamber I unsealed on Monday, May 11, 2026, the arrest warrant for Dela Rosa, which was originally issued as "secret" on November 6, 2025.
"Mr. Dela Rosa is alleged to have committed a crime against humanity of murder at least between the 3rd of July 2016 and the end of April 2018, during which no less than 32 persons were killed in the Republic of the Philippines," she said.
According to Maillet, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I charged that Dela Rosa was involved in a common plan lasting from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, to kill suspected criminals, especially those believed or alleged to be involved in the use, sale, or manufacture of drugs.
Positions Held
The chamber cited Dela Rosa's positions in the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly his role as head of the Davao Region Police Office, the PNP Intelligence Group, and the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development. It also noted his role as PNP chief and director general of the Bureau of Corrections.
Senate Appearance
After nearly six months of absence from the Senate, Dela Rosa appeared on Monday, May 11, coinciding with a "coup" that ousted Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. Chaos ensued upon Dela Rosa's arrival at the Senate as personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reportedly blocked him from entering, resulting in a chase on the stairs. Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV also appeared at the Senate, carrying what was believed to be the ICC warrant, which was not yet widely known at that time.
Amid the confusion, senators agreed to place Dela Rosa under the Senate's "protective custody" until he exhausts all legal means to defend himself and until the institution can take the same steps.
