Manila, Philippines. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said on Thursday that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, was no longer taking refuge at the Senate after what his wife described as an “escape.” The statement followed chaotic scenes a day earlier amid concerns over his possible arrest.
ICC warrant and Senate protection
Dela Rosa, 64, a former police chief and a top enforcer of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs,” is wanted for crimes against humanity, the same offences Duterte is accused of. Cayetano said dela Rosa had been under the Senate’s protection since Monday.
Gunshots and security response
Late on Wednesday, gunshots were heard inside the heavily guarded Senate and people there scrambled for cover. The incident occurred hours after dela Rosa appealed on social media for supporters to mobilise, saying agents were coming to arrest him.
Message from dela Rosa’s wife
Cayetano told reporters on Thursday that dela Rosa was no longer at the Senate and read a text message he said was from dela Rosa’s wife, Nancy dela Rosa, apologising for the turmoil his presence had created. “It’s for this reason I’m sure Ronald made his escape,” the message said, adding that fleeing “was not part of the plan.” The message did not disclose his whereabouts.
Political implications and unanswered questions
The Senate standoff has tested the authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The government was unable to confirm on Thursday whether dela Rosa had fled, who was shooting, or the identities of individuals who had tried to enter the Senate. Marcos has said he gave no order to arrest dela Rosa and is engaged in a long-running political battle with the Duterte family and its allies.
Investigation
Police spokesperson Randulf Tuano said investigations were underway, with bullet casings and assault rifle magazines recovered. He said one person had been detained who had “provided names” that were being verified.
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