• Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa seeks refuge in the Senate amid an ICC arrest warrant.
• Dela Rosa is charged with crimes against humanity for his role in Duterte's drug war.
• The Senate is on lockdown, preventing law enforcement from executing the arrest.

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa has taken refuge inside the Senate following the unsealing of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to his involvement in the controversial drug war initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa, who served as the police chief during Duterte's administration, is accused of being an “indirect co-perpetrator” in the murder of at least 32 individuals connected to the anti-drug campaign that reportedly resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera.

Upon entering the Senate, Dela Rosa faced agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who were poised to arrest him based on the ICC warrant. Video footage showed him fleeing through the Senate's corridors as police attempted to detain him, leading to a protective lockdown of the Senate premises. Newly appointed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano stated that the Senate would only recognize arrest warrants issued by Philippine courts, standing against an ICC warrant, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.

The ICC's warrant, originally confidential, became public on May 11 and stems from Dela Rosa's actions during the drug war, which have been characterized by significant human rights violations. Dela Rosa expressed opposition to being extradited to The Hague, stating, "I became Philippine National Police chief to work, then this is what they will do to me?" He has garnered support from fellow lawmakers and has publicly urged his supporters to maintain a vigil outside the Senate to await a decision on his situation, as reported by Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera.

Dela Rosa's appearance at the Senate on the same day as the vote to elect Cayetano as Senate president has raised concerns about potential ramifications involving ongoing political dynamics and impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio. The relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families has become increasingly tense following political maneuvers that may impact Dela Rosa’s legal situation and his political future, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.