The Philippine government on Thursday ordered law enforcement agencies to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in former president Rodrigo Duterte's deadly "war on drugs" campaign. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that authorities are now tasked to execute the warrant.

Dela Rosa, nicknamed "Bato" ("Rock"), served as national police chief from 2016 to 2018 and was Duterte's top enforcer in a brutal crackdown that killed thousands of suspected drug dealers and users. The ICC unsealed an arrest warrant last week, accusing him of crimes against humanity, including murder, alongside Duterte and other "co-perpetrators."

After sheltering in his senate office, dela Rosa called on supporters to block any transfer to The Hague. His current whereabouts are unknown. Duterte is already in ICC custody in The Hague, denying all charges.

Source: www.dw.com