Advertisement
The Philippines
AsiaSoutheast Asia

Philippines’ top court rejects Dela Rosa’s bid to block ICC arrest warrant

The ruling clears the way for the apprehension of the former police chief, main enforcer of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs

2-MIN READ2-MIN
1
Listen
A protester calls for the arrest of Philippine Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa during a demonstration on Monday. Photo: AFP
Agence France-Presse
The Philippine Supreme Court refused on Wednesday to block the arrest of a fugitive senator wanted by the International Criminal Court over his role in the nation’s deadly drug war.
The interim ruling clears the way for the potential arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the former national police chief who was the main enforcer of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte’s crackdown.

“The Supreme Court, in a vote of 9-5-1, denied the prayer for a temporary restraining order and/or status quo ante order filed by Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. dela Rosa,” a court statement said.

Advertisement

Do not lose heart,” Dela Rosa’s lawyer Israelito Torreon said in a statement, adding he would ask the court to reconsider its ruling.

The ICC last week unsealed an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, accused along with Duterte and other “co-perpetrators” of the crime against humanity of murder.

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa takes a phone call during a session at the Senate on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa takes a phone call during a session at the Senate on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

Government agents tried to arrest Dela Rosa on the same day, but the pro-Duterte senate leadership foiled the attempt and gave him sanctuary at the senate building following a dramatic chase up the stairs.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x