Post by : Shakul

The Philippine government has intensified efforts to arrest Senator Ronald Dela Rosa after the country’s justice chief ordered authorities to enforce an International Criminal Court warrant linked to alleged crimes against humanity during the Duterte-era anti-drug campaign.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Dela Rosa is now considered a fugitive from justice and warned that anyone helping him avoid arrest could face criminal charges. Authorities confirmed that law enforcement agencies are actively tracking the senator’s whereabouts across the country.

Dela Rosa previously served as the national police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte and played a leading role in the controversial anti-drug crackdown launched between 2016 and 2022. The campaign resulted in thousands of deaths and drew heavy criticism from human rights organisations and several Western governments.

The International Criminal Court has accused Dela Rosa of involvement in the killing of at least 32 individuals between July 2016 and April 2018. Prosecutors allege the killings formed part of a broader campaign that may amount to crimes against humanity.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested last year and transferred to The Hague, where he is currently facing trial before the ICC. Philippine authorities said the investigation into other senior officials connected to the anti-drug operations remains ongoing.

Dela Rosa had earlier attempted to block the ICC warrant through the Philippine Supreme Court, arguing that the country had already withdrawn from the international tribunal. However, the court rejected his petition, allowing the arrest process to continue.

The senator has reportedly remained in hiding for months due to fears of detention. Earlier this month, he briefly appeared inside the Philippine Senate before escaping amid confusion caused by gunfire incidents near the building. Police are now investigating whether the chaos was deliberately created to help him flee.

The case has also intensified political tensions between the Duterte family and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. Vice President Sara Duterte accused the government of targeting her family politically after her father’s arrest and ongoing ICC proceedings.

The developments have sparked major debate across the Philippines regarding accountability, justice and the future of the country’s political landscape as authorities continue their nationwide manhunt for the senator.

#Politics #Crime #World News