MANILA — The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a bid by top Senator Ronald dela Rosa for a temporary restraining order to prevent his arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court.
Dela Rosa, who is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity over his role in a bloody “war on drugs” during Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016-2022 presidency, had sought the measure arguing that Philippine law enforcement had no legal authority to execute an arrest warrant issued by a foreign court.
Dela Rosa, whose whereabouts are unknown, has denied involvement in illegal killings. Philippine authorities have vowed to arrest him.
The court in a statement said other issues related to dela Rosa’s petition had yet to be ruled on.
—Reporting by Reuters Staff; Writing by Martin Petty
