Philippine Senator Dela Rosa Evades ICC Arrest Amid Senate Gunfire
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity, fled the Philippine Senate following a gunfire incident, intensifying political tensions in the country.
Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, has fled the Senate premises. The escape occurred amid a gunfire exchange between Senate security personnel and government agents stationed in an adjacent building, creating chaos that facilitated his departure.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the nation, urging calm and announcing a police investigation into the incident, including suspicions that the gunfire was orchestrated to aid dela Rosa's escape. Senate President Alan Cayetano stated, "There is no obstruction of justice," emphasizing that no ICC warrant had been presented to the Senate, and thus, dela Rosa was free to leave.
Critics argue that Cayetano and the Senate's security chief should be held accountable for the senator'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 his tenure, as part of Duterte's controversial anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa has contested the ICC's jurisdiction and sought intervention from the Philippine Supreme Court to prevent the warrant's enforcement. The court has requested additional information from both dela Rosa and government officials within 72 hours.
This development exacerbates existing political tensions between the Duterte and Marcos factions. Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president, has accused Marcos of orchestrating her father's "kidnapping" and transfer to a foreign court. The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos' allies, recently impeached Sara Duterte over allegations of unexplained wealth and misuse of state funds, charges she denies.
The Senate is set to convene as an impeachment court to prepare for the vice president's trial. Meanwhile, the search for Senator dela Rosa continues as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding his escape.