Pres. Bongbong received this plea from a human rights group
A group of victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” has called on President Bongbong Marcos to pursue and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
On May 21, 2026, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced that Philippine law enforcement agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP), have been ordered to arrest Dela Rosa, officially declaring him a fugitive.
Before his official arrest warrant was issued, Dela Rosa hid inside the Senate building for protection, which sparked political tension and a shooting incident on the premises. He later fled the building and went into hiding, while calling on his former military and police colleagues to prevent him from being handed over to foreign authorities.
After the Senate shooting incident, Dela Rosa has nowhere to be found. Reportedly, he is protected by “powerful people.” His colleague, Senator Robin Padilla is currently facing an obstruction of justice complaint for allegedly helping him evade authorities.
Based on the report from Abante, in a statement, the group Rise for Life and for Rights appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against the senator, who is currently evading authorities.
The group expressed disappointment that the ICC has yet to bring Dela Rosa before it.
The ICC’s reach is reportedly limited, yet there remains hope that the international tribunal will hold those involved in crimes against humanity, in connection with Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, accountable.
“We continue to plead for the Marcos administration to arrest Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa against whom an ICC warrant has been issued,” the group stated.
The group also hopes that the ICC trial against Duterte will push through, which is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026. As of this writing, Pres. Bongbong Marcos or the Malacanang has not yet responded to this call.
