Manhunt Underway in Philippines for Duterte Ally Who Is Evading I.C.C. Warrant
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Philippine authorities have launched a nationwide manhunt for Senator Ronald dela Rosa after he evaded an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant linked to alleged crimes against humanity during the Duterte administration's drug crackdown.
- Police have intensified monitoring of all exit points in the country and have no records of dela Rosa leaving the Philippines; his current whereabouts remain unknown.
- Dela Rosa, known as "Bato," previously sought refuge in the Senate, leading to a violent confrontation with law enforcement, and his petition to block arrest was rejected by the Supreme Court.
- Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida emphasized that dela Rosa is a fugitive who must face ICC charges, similar to former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in ICC custody in The Hague.
- The ICC charges relate to the Duterte administration's drug war, which reportedly resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, many through summary executions or vigilante actions.