“I did it for my country”: Duterte’s war on drugs architect begs Marcos not to hand him over to the ICC

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a central figure in the violent war on drugs waged under former President Rodrigo Duterte, asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday not to hand him over to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Subject to an arrest warrant issued Monday by the ICC on suspicion of crimes against humanity, Ronald dela Rosa has stated his readiness to answer for his actions before the Philippine justice system, but refuses to be transferred to The Hague. The former police chief is accused of the same crimes as Rodrigo Duterte, who is already being held pending his trial before the international court.

Fearing imminent arrest, the senator barricaded himself in his Senate office for a second consecutive day. He is currently under the protection of the parliamentary institution, following the entry of law enforcement into the building on Monday. Philippine police, however, maintain that no nationwide arrest warrant has been issued for him at this time.

Speaking to reporters, Ronald dela Rosa, nicknamed "Bato" — meaning "rock" — defended his role in the anti-drug campaign waged under President Duterte. With tears in his eyes, he asserted that he had "faithfully served" his country and denied any involvement in illegal executions.

"I hope that as the father of the nation, you will take care of all Filipinos," he said, addressing President Marcos directly. "I have done everything for the country. I have not enriched myself. I have worked faithfully," he added.

The Philippine government has indicated it might comply with an ICC request if it were made through Interpol. This possibility is fueling political tensions in the country, where the legacy of the war on drugs remains deeply controversial.

The anti-drug campaign waged under Rodrigo Duterte has resulted in thousands of deaths and numerous accusations of widespread human rights violations. For several years, international organizations have accused Philippine authorities of encouraging extrajudicial killings as part of this security policy.