MANILA — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for protection following confirmation of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant tied to his role in the previous administration’s drug war.
Speaking via video link to supporters outside the Senate, Dela Rosa said he is a Filipino citizen and constituent of the President, stressing that there is no personal conflict between them.
He urged Marcos to ensure that law enforcement agencies respect legal procedures and Supreme Court rulings. Dela Rosa said he only seeks due process, insisting the ICC warrant should pass through Philippine courts.
The senator is currently under Senate protective custody after authorities attempted to serve the warrant earlier but were unsuccessful.
He has also filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent what he called an improper arrest.
The ICC confirmed that the warrant was issued in November 2025 under seal by its Pre-Trial Chamber. It is linked to alleged crimes against humanity during the anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Dela Rosa thanked his supporters and said he believes he avoided arrest with divine help.
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