MANILA — Several current and former lawmakers on Tuesday urged Philippine authorities to enforce a reported arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court against Sen. Ronald dela Rosa after the Supreme Court of the Philippines denied his request for a temporary restraining order.
The Supreme Court voted 9-5-1 to reject dela Rosa’s petition seeking to block the rumored ICC warrant tied to crimes against humanity allegations connected to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Percival Cendaña said the absence of a TRO should serve as a signal for law enforcement agencies to pursue dela Rosa.
“There should be no safe quarters for those with blood of the thousands on their hands,” Cendaña said in a statement.
Terry Ridon likewise called on authorities to coordinate enforcement of the international warrant, while Leila de Lima said dela Rosa should surrender and face due process.
Members of the Makabayan bloc, including Antonio Tinio, Sarah Elago, and Renee Co, also called on the Marcos administration and multiple government agencies to implement the ICC order without delay.
Former lawmakers Neri Colmenares, Carlos Zarate, and Arlene Brosas echoed similar calls, saying the Supreme Court’s action removed constitutional obstacles to enforcement.
The controversy intensified after dela Rosa reappeared at the Senate on May 11 following months away from the chamber. Reports said he sustained minor injuries while attempting to avoid agents believed to be enforcing the ICC order.
Dela Rosa later remained under Senate protective custody after a leadership change installed Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president.
Tensions escalated further Wednesday night following reports of gunfire inside Senate premises amid rumors that authorities were preparing to serve the ICC-related arrest order.
