Philippines Says It Will Enforce ICC Arrest Warrant for Dela Rosa

Philippine Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Friday, May 15, 2026, that the government will comply with an International Criminal Court request to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. The ICC unsealed an arrest warrant on Monday for dela Rosa over alleged crimes against humanity tied to his tenure as police chief during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign.

Authorities said dela Rosa’s current whereabouts are unknown after he left the Senate before dawn on Thursday. Dela Rosa has denied involvement in illegal killings.

Vida said the warrant is valid and that the Philippines has received an official request to serve it. He said the justice department has issued an immigration lookout order, and that any attempt by dela Rosa to leave the country would be treated as a “mockery of justice.”

Vida also said authorities have information to determine the senator’s whereabouts, but clarified that a manhunt had not been launched and described the arrest as “conditional.”

Supreme Court appeal challenges ICC jurisdiction

Dela Rosa has filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court, arguing that the ICC lacks jurisdiction after the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute. Vida said the Supreme Court would be the “final arbiter” and that the government would follow its ruling.

Jesus Crispin Remulla, the country’s anti-graft chief and ombudsman, said dela Rosa should face the accusations against him. “Flight is an indication of guilt,” Remulla said, adding that the senator “should be held accountable.”

Senate security chief suspended after attempted arrest turns violent

Remulla ordered a six-month suspension, effective immediately, of Senate security chief Mao Aplasca following a shootout inside the Senate building on Wednesday during an attempted arrest of dela Rosa. Aplasca admitted firing the first warning shot during a standoff with National Bureau of Investigation agents, officials said.

Troops were deployed to the Senate complex after dela Rosa urged supporters to mobilize and block what he said was an imminent arrest. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr earlier called for calm, officials said.

Authorities are expected to await guidance from the Supreme Court as the legal challenge proceeds, while the justice department maintains its lookout order and says it is prepared to act on the ICC request.