DOJ: Sen. Bato Dela Rosa now a fugitive; orders PNP, NBI to execute ICC warrant of arrest

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially declared Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa a fugitive from justice, ordering local law enforcement agencies to immediately execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced on 21 May 2026 that all legal barriers to the senator's arrest have been cleared following the Supreme Court's decision to deny dela Rosa’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO).

"Senator Bato dela Rosa is a fugitive from justice and he should be brought to the ICC to face the charges before him," Secretary Vida stated during a press briefing. He confirmed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are now actively tasked with tracking down and arresting the lawmaker.

The declaration solidifies the government's stance after the Office of the Solicitor General previously branded the senator a fugitive who was manipulating the legal system to evade international accountability.

Dela Rosa, who served as the national police chief during the early years of the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign, is wanted by the ICC as a suspected co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity, specifically murder.

The fugitive senator has been missing from public view since slipping out of the Senate building in the early hours of 14 May, shortly after a brief standoff and gunfire incident involving government agents and Senate security personnel. Closed-circuit television footage later revealed that dela Rosa fled the premises disguised in a dark jacket and cap, accompanied by a fellow legislator.

Secretary Vida noted that because the Supreme Court chose not to block the warrant, the international order is now fully enforceable within Philippine territory. He warned that any individuals attempting to assist dela Rosa in evading law enforcement will face legal consequences.

Dela Rosa’s legal team has heavily rejected the "fugitive from justice" label, arguing that executing an international warrant without a locally issued judicial order bypasses constitutional protections. Despite the defense's objections, the DOJ has directed border control authorities to arrest the senator on sight should he attempt to flee the country.