Philippine senator escapes arrest as ICC confirms drug war warrant

Philippine authorities said on Monday they would not arrest a lawmaker wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war. The decision ends a lengthy Senate stand-off. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who served as police chief and Duterte’s top enforcer during the bloody drug crackdown, will remain in the Senate’s custody. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag told reporters that Dela Rosa will be treated as if under Senate protection. The ICC has issued a warrant for Dela Rosa’s arrest, accusing him of crimes against humanity. The Philippine government has refused to cooperate with the ICC, arguing that the country withdrew from the court in 2019. The stand-off highlights ongoing tensions between the Duterte administration and international justice bodies.