Philippine Senator Dela Rosa Evades Arrest Amid Senate Shooting
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the International Criminal Court, escaped from the Philippine Senate following a shooting incident, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances of his departure.
Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, subject to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity, has fled the Senate premises where he had been seeking refuge. His departure occurred amid a shooting incident on Wednesday night involving Senate security personnel and a government agent, leading to chaos that facilitated his escape.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for public calm and announced a police investigation into the incident, including suspicions that it may have been orchestrated to aid dela Rosa's escape. Senate President Alan Cayetano stated that he did not see any ICC arrest warrant against dela Rosa and asserted that the senator was free to leave the premises.
Critics argue that Cayetano and the Senate's security chief should be held accountable for dela Rosa's escape. Dela Rosa, 64, previously served as the national police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte from 2016 to 2018. The ICC unsealed a warrant on Monday charging him with the murder of at least 32 individuals during Duterte's anti-drug campaign. Both dela Rosa and Duterte have denied authorizing extrajudicial killings.
This development occurs amid escalating political tensions between the Duterte family and President Marcos. Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president, was impeached by the House of Representatives on Monday over allegations including unexplained wealth and threats against President Marcos and his wife. The Senate is set to convene as an impeachment court to prepare for her trial.