Philippine authorities are working to confirm reports that Senator Ronald dela Rosa has secretly left the Senate premises after spending several days evading arrest. Presidential communications undersecretary Clare Castro stated during a press conference that officials are attempting to verify his whereabouts following reports he slipped out of the guarded building undetected before dawn.
“Several sources confirmed that the Senator, Senator Bato, is no longer in the Senate premises, but we are still getting official confirmation,” Castro told the media. She noted that no operations have been launched to arrest him thus far.
ICC Warrant and Allegations
The search for the senator follows an ICC arrest warrant unsealed on Monday. Dela Rosa is one of eight co-perpetrators named in a case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at The Hague.
The warrant accuses the senator of “authorising, condoning and promoting” killings during the “war on drugs,” as well as providing weapons, rewarding perpetrators, and promising impunity. Dela Rosa, who served as the head of the Philippine national police under the Duterte administration, was a chief enforcer of the anti-drug crackdowns that resulted in thousands of deaths.
Violence and Chaos at the Senate
The situation escalated Wednesday night when gunshots were fired inside the Senate building, forcing journalists to seek cover. Interior secretary Juanito Victor Remulla stated that Senate security fired “warning shots” at several unknown armed men who had ascended the Senate stairway.
Police spokesperson Brigadier-General Randulf Tuano confirmed on Thursday that a man was apprehended on the second floor of the building in connection with the incident. An investigation into the shooting is currently ongoing.
Earlier in the week, dela Rosa avoided arrest after outrunning government agents and receiving protective custody from allies within the Senate chamber. He had previously warned that his arrest was imminent and urged supporters to gather outside the building to protect him.
Government Response and Legal Defense
President Ferdinand Marcos stated that no government personnel were involved in the shooting and that no instructions had been given to arrest dela Rosa. Marcos questioned if the violence was an attempt to “destabilise the government or trigger chaos.”
Dela Rosa’s lawyer, Jimmy Bondoc, told reporters on Thursday that he had spoken with the senator during the night and believed he was still inside the building. When asked if he planned to leave, Bondoc claims dela Rosa said “none.”
While the senator has denied any wrongdoing, he did not respond to requests for comment regarding the reports of his flight.
Potential Next Steps
Authorities may increase surveillance and checkpoints if they confirm that dela Rosa has left the Senate. A possible next step could involve further diplomatic coordination with the ICC if the senator is located.
The ongoing police investigation into the Senate shooting could lead to more arrests if additional suspects are identified. Depending on the findings, the government may introduce tighter security protocols for legislative premises to prevent further destabilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Senator Ronald dela Rosa wanted by the ICC?
He is accused of “authorising, condoning and promoting” drug war killings, providing weapons, promising impunity, and rewarding perpetrators during his time as head of the Philippine national police.
What happened during the incident at the Senate?
Gunshots were fired on Wednesday night, causing chaos and forcing journalists to scramble for cover. Police later detained a man on the second floor of the building, while the Interior secretary stated security fired warning shots at unknown armed men.
What is President Ferdinand Marcos’s position on the arrest?
President Marcos stated there were no instructions to arrest dela Rosa and denied that government personnel were involved in the Senate shooting, questioning if the event was intended to destabilize the government.
Do you believe international warrants can be effectively enforced when they involve high-ranking national officials?
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