Philippine Senator Wanted by the International Criminal Court, Flees From Senate

Ronald dela Rosa, a Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court on allegations of crimes against humanity, has fled the Senate after seeking refuge there to avoid arrest, officials said Thursday.

Dela Rosa’s departure came after gunshots were fired Wednesday night during a confrontation between Senate security personnel and a government agent outside the heavily guarded building. Senate President Alan Cayetano denied that the Senate obstructed justice by allowing dela Rosa to leave.

The 64-year-old previously served as national police chief under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and oversaw the country’s anti-drug crackdown from 2016 to 2018. The ICC alleges dela Rosa was responsible for the murders of at least 32 people during that period. Duterte himself was arrested last year and is currently facing trial in The Hague over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the anti-drug campaign.