A Philippine senator linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s anti drug campaign took shelter inside the Senate in Manila after authorities moved to execute an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Ronald Dela Rosa entered the Senate building on Monday. Officers tried to approach him, but he managed to avoid arrest. Senate security later placed him under protective custody.
Police confirmed that they would not arrest him while he remained inside Senate control.
ICC allegations and accusations
The International Criminal Court has accused Dela Rosa of involvement in the killing of at least 32 people between 2016 and 2018. He is described as an indirect co perpetrator in Duterte’s drug war campaign.
That campaign led to thousands of deaths of people suspected of drug related activity across the Philippines.
Former president Duterte is already in ICC custody in The Hague after his arrest in March 2025.
Senate standoff and political tension
Security footage shown to lawmakers captured National Bureau of Investigation agents following Dela Rosa inside the Senate building. He moved quickly through stairs and corridors as officers pursued him.
The situation ended after hours of tension when authorities confirmed they would not proceed with an arrest inside the Senate.
Dela Rosa said he would remain inside the Senate grounds and resist transfer to the Hague.
Call for local trial and public response
On Tuesday, he urged supporters gathered outside the Senate to maintain a vigil until the Supreme Court makes a decision.
He also asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to file a local case if he believes there is wrongdoing. Dela Rosa stated he prefers to face charges in Philippine courts instead of an international tribunal.
Rising feud between political families
The crisis comes as tensions grow between the Duterte and Marcos political families. Their alliance collapsed after the 2022 elections.
Vice president Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president, is considered a leading contender in the next presidential race. She claims ICC actions and impeachment efforts are being used against her politically.
Meanwhile, Marcos allies control the lower house, which recently moved forward with impeachment proceedings against her.
ICC jurisdiction dispute continues
Rodrigo Duterte has rejected ICC authority, arguing that the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute during his presidency.
However, ICC judges ruled that the alleged crimes took place while the Philippines was still a member state. This allowed the court to proceed with the case.
