Philippines asks top court to allow ICC drug war arrest of senator

The Philippines government is taking a firm stance, urging the Supreme Court to permit the arrest of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a key figure in the previous administration's controversial "war on drugs." This move comes in the wake of the International Criminal Court (ICC) unsealing an arrest warrant for Dela Rosa, along with former President Rodrigo Duterte and others, on charges of crimes against humanity.

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By his own conduct, he has placed himself outside the protection of the law.

The government's chief lawyer, solicitor-general Darlene Berberabe, has argued forcefully that Dela Rosa has placed himself "outside the protection of the law" by seeking refuge and petitioning the court to halt his arrest. The filing asserts that until he surrenders to lawful authorities, he should be considered a fugitive and denied any legal recourse.

This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between the Philippines' domestic legal system and international justice mechanisms. While Dela Rosa argues the ICC warrant is illegal due to the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the government contends that such withdrawal does not absolve the state of cooperation in ongoing proceedings. The situation underscores the complex international implications of the Philippines' past policies and the pursuit of accountability.

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Until he submits himself to lawful authorities, he must be deemed a fugitive from justice and should not be allowed to seek any relief from the courts.

From Manila's perspective, this is a critical juncture. The government is navigating a delicate path, balancing national sovereignty with international obligations. The emphasis on Dela Rosa being a "fugitive" and the government's proactive legal filing demonstrate a determination to address the ICC's concerns, albeit through domestic legal channels first. The outcome will significantly impact how the Philippines engages with international justice bodies moving forward.

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does not relieve a state party from cooperating in proceedings already initiated before the ICC