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Advocates Philippines
ICC Unseals Arrest Warrant Against Dela Rosa Over Drug War Killings
Photo credit: Senate PH
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially unsealed an arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa over allegations linked to killings during the Philippines’ controversial war on drugs.
In a statement released on May 11, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed that the warrant, which was originally issued in secret on November 6, 2025, accuses Dela Rosa of the crime against humanity of murder under Article 7 of the Rome Statute.
According to the court, prosecutors presented evidence showing reasonable grounds to believe that the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief may have been criminally responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator in at least 32 killings that allegedly happened between July 2016 and April 2018.
The ICC said the killings were allegedly carried out as part of a broader plan targeting suspected criminals, including individuals accused or perceived to be involved in illegal drugs.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from July 2016 to April 2018, was one of the most visible figures in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. Before becoming national police chief, he also held several key police positions in Davao, including serving as director of the Davao City Police Office.
The chamber handling the case is composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera.
The ICC investigation covers alleged crimes committed in the Philippines from November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, in connection with the government’s drug war campaign launched during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The probe formally moved forward in September 2021 after ICC judges authorized prosecutors to investigate possible crimes against humanity tied to the anti-drug operations. Victims and their families had also submitted statements and evidence supporting the investigation.
In a statement released on May 11, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed that the warrant, which was originally issued in secret on November 6, 2025, accuses Dela Rosa of the crime against humanity of murder under Article 7 of the Rome Statute.
According to the court, prosecutors presented evidence showing reasonable grounds to believe that the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief may have been criminally responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator in at least 32 killings that allegedly happened between July 2016 and April 2018.
The ICC said the killings were allegedly carried out as part of a broader plan targeting suspected criminals, including individuals accused or perceived to be involved in illegal drugs.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from July 2016 to April 2018, was one of the most visible figures in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. Before becoming national police chief, he also held several key police positions in Davao, including serving as director of the Davao City Police Office.
The chamber handling the case is composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera.
The ICC investigation covers alleged crimes committed in the Philippines from November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, in connection with the government’s drug war campaign launched during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The probe formally moved forward in September 2021 after ICC judges authorized prosecutors to investigate possible crimes against humanity tied to the anti-drug operations. Victims and their families had also submitted statements and evidence supporting the investigation.
May 12, 2026
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