Philippine court rejects senator’s bid to block arrest

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the chief enforcer of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, takes a phone call during a session at the Senate in Pasay City, Metro Manila, on May 13, 2026. He subsequently fled the chamber and is still being sought on an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. (Photo: Reuters)

MANILA - ​The Philippine Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a bid by Senator Ronald dela ​Rosa for a temporary restraining order ‌to prevent his arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court.

Dela Rosa, whose whereabouts are unknown, is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity over his role in a bloody “war on drugs” during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte from 2016-22. He ​has denied involvement in ⁠illegal killings.