MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, a central figure in the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign and the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, is no longer under Senate protection after reportedly leaving the premises following a night of chaos inside the chamber, Senate leadership confirmed Thursday.
The development came a day after panic broke out inside the heavily guarded Senate complex when gunshots were reportedly heard Wednesday evening, forcing staff and visitors to take cover. The incident occurred hours after dela Rosa urged supporters on social media to mobilize, warning that authorities were moving in to arrest him.
Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police chief and close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, faces allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the government’s “war on drugs,” similar to charges filed against Duterte before the ICC.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that the senator had already left the premises and read a message he said came from Dela Rosa’s wife, Nancy dela Rosa, describing the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“It’s for this reason I’m sure Ronald made his escape,” Cayetano quoted from the message sent by Dela Rosa’s wife.
“He took the opportunity noong nagkaputukan na,” Cayetano stated as he shared portions of the message sent by Dela Rosa’s wife following the senator’s sudden departure from the Senate premises.
Based on the message, Dela Rosa was originally expected to remain inside the Senate despite the looming ICC arrest issue. However, his wife said the chaos and tension triggered by the reported gunfire incident may have prompted him to seize the moment and leave.
She also apologized for the disturbance caused inside the Senate, acknowledging the “confusion and havoc” linked to the incident.
The message further indicated that Dela Rosa’s departure was not part of the original plan, but happened amid the disorder and panic that unfolded Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to track the movements of Dela Rosa following his departure from the Senate, as separate investigations into the gunfire incident and the security breach inside the chamber remain ongoing.
Written by Jan Gabrielle Visda
Jan Gabrielle Visda is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
