The Philippine government has ordered law enforcement units to arrest Senator Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, was issued an arrest warrant by the ICC last week for alleged crimes against humanity.
Philippine Justice Secretary Guevarra said to the media on Thursday that he has instructed law enforcement agencies to carry out the arrest operation.
Dela Rosa had previously sought refuge in the Philippine Senate. Guevarra noted that on Wednesday, the Philippine Supreme Court rejected Dela Rosa’s petition to suspend the effect of the ICC arrest warrant, which means law enforcement can now lawfully arrest him.
He stated: “We are proceeding with this matter to ensure that justice is served.”
He also warned that anyone assisting Dela Rosa in evading law enforcement will face legal consequences.
In March last year, the ICC also arrested former Philippine President Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity, detaining him in The Hague, Netherlands, while awaiting trial.
According to statistics from human rights organizations, Duterte’s anti-drug campaign during his administration led to thousands of deaths, most of whom were drug users and low-level dealers from poor communities.
Dela Rosa served as chief of the national police from 2016 to 2018 and was a key figure in the early stage of the anti-drug campaign. After stepping down, he was elected senator for two consecutive terms.
Philippine Justice Secretary Guevarra said to the media on Thursday that he has instructed law enforcement agencies to carry out the arrest operation.
Dela Rosa had previously sought refuge in the Philippine Senate. Guevarra noted that on Wednesday, the Philippine Supreme Court rejected Dela Rosa’s petition to suspend the effect of the ICC arrest warrant, which means law enforcement can now lawfully arrest him.
He stated: “We are proceeding with this matter to ensure that justice is served.”
He also warned that anyone assisting Dela Rosa in evading law enforcement will face legal consequences.
In March last year, the ICC also arrested former Philippine President Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity, detaining him in The Hague, Netherlands, while awaiting trial.
According to statistics from human rights organizations, Duterte’s anti-drug campaign during his administration led to thousands of deaths, most of whom were drug users and low-level dealers from poor communities.
Dela Rosa served as chief of the national police from 2016 to 2018 and was a key figure in the early stage of the anti-drug campaign. After stepping down, he was elected senator for two consecutive terms.