Story perspectives

Senate Blocks ICC Warrant, Detains NBI Over Dela Rosa

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

11 May 2026 NBI agents entered Senate to serve an ICC warrant for Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, which CCTV captured as he fled.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano cited the NBI for contempt, placed them under custody, locked down building and put Dela Rosa in protective custody.
Dela Rosa’s lawyers filed a Supreme Court restraining order while Philippine National Police said arrest requires Interpol coordination because Philippines withdrew from ICC in 2019.

History

Historical Context

After the ICC opened a preliminary probe into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign in 2016, the Philippines notified withdrawal on March 14 2018, which took effect March 17 2019, and the Supreme Court upheld the move in 2021 while noting continued cooperation obligations. That legacy enabled NBI agents to enter the Senate in May 2026 to serve an ICC arrest warrant for Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, prompting Interior Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to order his detention.

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Story summary

11 May 2026 NBI agents entered Senate to serve an ICC warrant for Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, which CCTV captured as he fled.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano cited the NBI for contempt, placed them under custody, locked down building and put Dela Rosa in protective custody.
Dela Rosa’s lawyers filed a Supreme Court restraining order while Philippine National Police said arrest requires Interpol coordination because Philippines withdrew from ICC in 2019.

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