THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The International Criminal Court made public Monday an arrest warrant targeting a high-ranking Philippine senator connected to the brutal anti-narcotics campaign conducted under former President Rodrigo Duterte, which reportedly resulted in the extrajudicial executions of drug suspects.
The court document, initially issued under seal in November, accuses Ronald Marapon dela Rosa, who previously headed the Philippine national police force and served as a Duterte confidant, with crimes against humanity involving the murder of “no less than 32 persons” during a period spanning July 2016 through late April 2018.
Duterte, dela Rosa, and additional law enforcement leaders have rejected claims they sanctioned the executions of drug suspects, maintaining these individuals were fatally shot after purportedly posing threats to officers. Throughout his presidency, Duterte publicly and consistently issued death threats against drug suspects.
According to the court filing, judges determined after reviewing prosecutorial evidence that dela Rosa “made essential contributions to committing the alleged crime” of murder and designated him as an “indirect co-perpetrator.”
Dela Rosa made a surprise appearance at the Philippines Senate Monday following a summons related to a fresh inquiry into the suspected extrajudicial executions. Officers from the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to pursue dela Rosa upon his Senate arrival but were unsuccessful in apprehending him as he rushed into the legislative chamber seeking sanctuary among his senatorial colleagues.
Former Philippines Senator Antonio Trillanes displayed the warrant to reporters in Manila Monday, with the ICC subsequently verifying its legitimacy.
Dela Rosa previously held the position of national police commander under Duterte and was the initial official to implement the violent anti-drug initiative that resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily among small-time suspects. Philippine law enforcement authorities have called upon dela Rosa to present himself for questioning regarding his involvement in the Duterte administration’s killings.
Duterte faced arrest in March of the previous year and remains in custody in the Netherlands on crimes against humanity charges. These accusations also relate to the lethal anti-drug operations he authorized during his tenure. While he contests the charges, judicial officials have determined sufficient evidence exists to proceed with his trial. No trial date has been established, and Duterte has been absent from multiple court proceedings citing health issues.
The mass killings of predominantly poor drug suspects occurred both during Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao city in the southern Philippines and following his 2016 presidential inauguration. The deaths resulting from police operations drew concern from human rights organizations and Western nations, particularly the United States.
