Philippine Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a key figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, has revealed he is considering going into hiding to avoid potential arrest linked to an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation. In a candid phone interview with Senate reporters on Wednesday, Dela Rosa admitted that hiding is among the “courses of action” he is contemplating, should the Supreme Court issue a final ruling on his petition to block government cooperation with the ICC.
The senator’s remarks come as the ICC continues its probe into alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte’s tenure, a campaign that left thousands dead under Dela Rosa’s leadership as the former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP). His latest statements mark a shift from earlier declarations of willingness to face the ICC alongside Duterte, raising questions about the political and legal pressures mounting on key figures from the previous administration.
A Shift in Stance
Dela Rosa, who once spearheaded the brutal anti-drug operations that defined Duterte’s presidency, expressed frustration with the prospect of justice within the Philippines. “If we can’t find justice in our own country, why would you surrender, right?” he told reporters. The senator, who has sought refuge in the Senate as a potential shield against arrest, suggested he might prolong his stay there if needed. “Most likely,” he said when asked if he would remain in the Senate to avoid detention. 
However, Dela Rosa was quick to clarify that he would not resist arrest if it came to that. Drawing on his experience as PNP chief, he acknowledged the futility of fighting back against the state’s security apparatus. “How will you fight against the Philippine National Police? I know the power, the might of the PNP because I’ve been the chief. So why fight? It’s useless if you fight back,” he remarked.
This pragmatic stance contrasts with his earlier bravado. Just last week, Dela Rosa spoke of his readiness to join Duterte at The Hague, the seat of the ICC, even expressing a desire to “take care” of the former president, who turns 80 this month. Yet, he now appears to doubt the feasibility of such solidarity, citing the difficulties faced by Duterte’s family, including Vice President Sara Duterte, in visiting him. “Even his own child cannot visit just like that. How much more if it’s me, when we are both detainees?” he mused.
The ICC Investigation and Domestic Fallout
The ICC’s investigation into the Philippines focuses on the extrajudicial killings that characterized Duterte’s war on drugs, launched in 2016. Official figures place the death toll at over 6,000, though human rights groups estimate the number could be as high as 30,000, including victims of vigilante violence allegedly encouraged by state rhetoric. As Duterte’s top enforcer, Dela Rosa was instrumental in implementing the policy, which critics describe as a systematic campaign of violence targeting suspected drug users and dealers, often in impoverished communities.
The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s directive, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction over the country. However, the ICC maintains that it retains authority to investigate crimes committed while the Philippines was a member state, between 2011 and 2019. Dela Rosa has petitioned the Philippine Supreme Court to prevent the government from assisting the ICC, a move that reflects broader resistance within Duterte’s political circle to international accountability.
If the Supreme Court rules against Dela Rosa, or if an arrest warrant is issued, the senator’s options could narrow significantly. Reports from the immigration bureau also suggest that other former Duterte allies, such as ex-spokesperson Harry Roque, may already be on an Interpol watchlist, pending court decisions. While Dela Rosa has not confirmed similar scrutiny, his consideration of hiding signals a growing unease among those implicated in the ICC probe.
Political Implications in Manila
Dela Rosa’s predicament underscores the lingering divisions in Philippine politics over Duterte’s legacy. The former president remains a polarizing figure: a hero to supporters who credit him with curbing crime, and a villain to critics who decry the human rights abuses committed under his watch. The ICC investigation has reignited debates about accountability, with some lawmakers and activists calling for full cooperation with the court, while others, including Dela Rosa, frame it as an infringement on national sovereignty.
The senator’s potential decision to hide also raises practical and ethical questions. While he insists he will not resist arrest, evading authorities could undermine public trust in institutions already strained by years of political turbulence. It may also embolden other figures under scrutiny to adopt similar tactics, complicating efforts to resolve the legal and moral questions surrounding the drug war.
Analysts suggest that Dela Rosa’s actions could influence the political landscape ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. “If high-profile figures like Dela Rosa are seen to be dodging accountability, it could galvanize both pro- and anti-Duterte factions,” said Maria Lopez, a political scientist at the University of the Philippines. “For some, it’s a sign of victimhood at the hands of international meddling; for others, it’s proof of guilt.”
A Conditional Future
Dela Rosa himself appears to be weighing his options with caution. He hinted at hope that the Supreme Court might assert its independence or that the Senate could take a firm stand in his favor. “We’ll see. If we find even a glimmer of hope, then I will evaluate. As I’ve said, I will cross the bridge when I get there,” he noted.
For now, the senator’s future remains uncertain. If a final ruling goes against him, or if international pressure mounts, hiding may become more than just an option—it could be a necessity. Yet, such a move would carry significant personal and political costs, potentially alienating allies and further polarizing an already divided nation.
Broader Context for Global Readers
For those unfamiliar with Philippine politics, the war on drugs was a flagship policy of Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, characterized by a hardline approach to crime that prioritized rapid results over due process. The policy drew international condemnation, with the ICC stepping in after allegations of systematic abuses surfaced. Senators like Dela Rosa, who hold significant influence in the country’s political system, often enjoy parliamentary privileges that can shield them from immediate legal action—though these protections are not absolute, especially in cases involving international courts.
The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, is a permanent tribunal established to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Its jurisdiction over the Philippines remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader tensions between national sovereignty and global accountability mechanisms.
What Lies Ahead?
As the ICC probe unfolds, the spotlight on Dela Rosa and other Duterte loyalists is likely to intensify. Whether the senator chooses to hide, remain in the Senate, or face potential arrest, his decisions will reverberate beyond his personal fate, shaping public discourse on justice and governance in the Philippines.
For now, Dela Rosa’s candid admission of considering evasion offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a man caught between past actions and an uncertain future. If confirmed, an arrest warrant could force his hand, but until then, the senator appears determined to explore every avenue to protect himself from the long arm of international law.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling pending and the ICC’s investigation ongoing, the coming weeks could prove pivotal—not just for Dela Rosa, but for the broader reckoning with Duterte’s legacy. As the Philippines navigates this complex chapter, the balance between national pride and global accountability hangs in a delicate, uneasy equilibrium.
