Senator Ronald Dela Rosa Evades ICC Arrest After Senate Gunfire Incident in Manila

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for former police chief and sitting senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Philippines’ 2016‑2018 anti‑drug campaign. On 13 May, gunshots rang out inside the Senate building in Manila. Dela Rosa, who had taken refuge in the chamber, escaped in the early hours of 14 May before authorities could detain him.

Amnesty International condemned the “obstruction of justice” and chaotic scenes, while Justice Secretary Fredrick Vida warned that any attempt by Dela Rosa to leave the country would trigger his arrest under the ICC warrant. Deputy spokesperson Ferdinand Topacio argued that the Department of Justice lacks authority to issue a hold‑departure order without a domestic warrant.

The Senate’s sergeant‑at‑arms admitted firing a warning shot at National Bureau of Investigation personnel, and the Philippine National Police chief pledged a thorough, evidence‑based investigation. Senate President Alan Cayetano faces potential obstruction‑of‑justice charges for defying a preventive suspension of the sergeant‑at‑arms and for allegedly shielding Dela Rosa. Government lawyers have asked the Supreme Court to reject Dela Rosa’s petition to block his surrender. His whereabouts remain unknown.