Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa has reportedly fled the Senate building after seeking refuge there to avoid arrest over an International Criminal Court warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity linked to the country’s deadly anti-drug campaign.
The dramatic escape unfolded Wednesday night after gunshots were fired inside the heavily guarded Senate complex in Pasay City, triggering panic and confusion that authorities believe may have helped dela Rosa slip away unnoticed.
Security personnel reportedly exchanged heated arguments with a government agent before multiple shots were fired, prompting an investigation ordered by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who later addressed the nation and urged the public to remain calm.
Officials are now investigating whether the incident was deliberately staged to create a diversion for the senator’s escape.
Senate President Alan Cayetano denied accusations of obstructing justice, insisting there was no official ICC arrest warrant presented to Senate authorities and that dela Rosa was free to leave the premises.
Critics, however, accused Senate leadership and security officials of allowing the embattled senator to evade arrest.
Dela Rosa, a former national police chief under ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, is accused by the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity tied to the controversial anti-drug operations carried out between 2016 and 2018.
According to the ICC warrant unsealed this week, dela Rosa allegedly bears responsibility for the deaths of at least 32 individuals during the nationwide crackdown.
Former President Duterte is already facing trial in The Hague after being arrested last year on similar allegations connected to the anti-drug campaign, which drew widespread international criticism over alleged extrajudicial killings.
Both Duterte and dela Rosa have denied authorizing unlawful killings, although Duterte repeatedly made public threats against suspected drug offenders while in office.
The situation has further intensified the ongoing political conflict between the Duterte family and the administration of Marcos Jr. Vice President Sara Duterte has accused Marcos of facilitating her father’s transfer to an international court, calling it a political attack against their family.
The tensions escalated further this week after Sara Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives over allegations involving unexplained wealth, misuse of public funds and threats made against Marcos, his wife and House leaders. She has denied all accusations.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court in preparation for Sara Duterte’s trial, adding another layer of uncertainty to the country’s increasingly volatile political landscape.