The International Criminal Court revealed on Monday an arrest warrant for a well-known Philippine senator associated with the controversial war on drugs led by former president Rodrigo Duterte, which reportedly included extrajudicial killings of suspects. The warrant, initially issued confidentially in November, accuses Ronald Marapon dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine national police and a close ally of Duterte, of committing the crime against humanity of murder involving “no less than 32 persons” between July 2016 and April 2018.
Both Duterte and dela Rosa, along with other police officials, have refuted claims of authorizing the killings of drug suspects, stating that the suspects were shot after allegedly posing threats to law enforcers. During his tenure, Duterte openly issued threats of death to drug suspects on multiple occasions.
The warrant stated that judges determined after reviewing evidence provided by prosecutors that dela Rosa played a significant role in the alleged murders and categorized him as an “indirect co-perpetrator.” Dela Rosa made a surprise appearance in the Philippines Senate on Monday after being summoned as part of a new inquiry into the alleged extrajudicial killings. Despite National Bureau of Investigation officers attempting to approach him, dela Rosa managed to evade them by seeking refuge among fellow senators in the plenary hall.
Former Philippine senator Antonio Trillanes publicly displayed the warrant in Manila on Monday, which was later confirmed by the ICC. Dela Rosa previously served as the national police chief under Duterte and was instrumental in enforcing the aggressive anti-drug campaign that resulted in the deaths of numerous suspects.
Philippine police authorities have requested dela Rosa’s presence for questioning regarding his involvement in the killings during the Duterte administration. Maria Elena Vignoli, a senior international justice counsel at Human Rights Watch, hailed the warrant as a significant step towards dismantling the shield of impunity safeguarding individuals allegedly responsible for atrocities during the Philippines’ lethal drug war.
Vignoli urged Philippine authorities to promptly apprehend dela Rosa and transfer him to The Hague for trial. Duterte was arrested in the Netherlands in March last year on charges of crimes against humanity linked to the deadly anti-drug operations conducted under his leadership. Despite denying the accusations, judges have determined there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. Duterte has missed several court hearings citing health issues.
The wave of killings primarily targeted impoverished drug suspects during Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao and his presidency, sparking concern among human rights organizations and Western nations, notably the United States.
