Why was Senator Dela Rosa facing arrest by the ICC?

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Senator Dela Rosa is facing arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to allegations of crimes against humanity.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former national police chief and key figure in ex-President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs," is sought by the ICC. The international court unsealed an arrest warrant for him in November, citing his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. Rights groups accuse the police under his command of systematic killings and cover-ups during the anti-drug campaign, although the police maintain that over 6,000 individuals killed were armed and resisted arrest.
Allegations of Crimes Against Humanity

The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa, dated November, for crimes against humanity. This designation stems from his role as the chief enforcer of the late President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial "war on drugs." The campaign, which began in 2016, resulted in thousands of deaths, with human rights organisations alleging widespread extrajudicial killings and systematic abuses.
Role in the "War on Drugs"

As the former chief of the Philippine National Police, Dela Rosa was at the forefront of implementing Duterte's aggressive anti-narcotics strategy, known as Project Double Barrel. This operation led to a significant increase in killings, with official police figures stating that over 6,000 individuals were killed because they were armed and resisted arrest. However, these figures are contested by human rights advocates and victims' families who claim the actual death toll is much higher and includes many extrajudicial killings.
Denial and Legal Challenges

Senator Dela Rosa has consistently denied any personal involvement in illegal killings. He has stated that he will pursue all available legal avenues to prevent his transfer to the ICC. Dela Rosa has also expressed reservations about facing trial in The Hague, particularly after learning about the conditions under which former President Duterte is reportedly being held. His legal team has filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court to block any transfer, arguing that the ICC no longer has jurisdiction in the Philippines following the country's withdrawal from the court in 2018, although the court asserts it can investigate crimes committed prior to a nation's withdrawal.

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Why was Senator Dela Rosa facing arrest by the ICC?

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