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Philippines orders arrest of senator over ICC 'war on drugs' charges

DW English · May 21, 2026, 7:00 AM · Also reported by 3 other sources

Key takeaways

  • Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa was Rodrigo Duterte's top enforcer during the deadly "war on drugs" which saw thousands killed.
  • Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters that Philippine law enforcement agencies "are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa."
  • He is better known by his nickname "Bato," meaning "Rock."

Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa was Rodrigo Duterte's top enforcer during the deadly "war on drugs" which saw thousands killed.

https://p.dw.com/p/5E4lf Dela Rosa's lawyer said they will exhaust all legal remedies, including filing a motion for reconsideration [FILE: May 11, 2026]Image: Angie de Silva/AP Photo/dpa/picture alliance Advertisement The Philippine government on Thursday ordered law enforcement agencies to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the ICC over his role in former president Rodrigo Duterte's deadly "war on drugs" campaign.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters that Philippine law enforcement agencies "are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa."

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