By 
13-05-2026 | Yazan Merii | Asia Team Researcher, Global Human Rights Defence.
Years after thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings shocked the world, the ICC’s latest move against former Philippine officials signals a growing international push for justice, accountability, and recognition of victims’ rights.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa faces an international arrest warrant for allegedly committing murder while he was Head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on May 11th, 2026, that it has found a “reasonable basis to believe” that Dela Rosa is liable for 32 murders committed between 2016 and 2018. The finding was made by the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber after reviewing evidence submitted by the Office of the Prosecutor.
Human rights groups have tracked the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign over the years to document numerous instances of human rights abuses committed by Philippine authorities. Most notable were the more than 6,000 extrajudicial killings of individuals alleged to be involved in drug trading that occurred during President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
These and other abuses were reportedly committed without the victims facing fair trials or the any legal protection. Today, family members of many of the individuals killed by police during drug operations are seeking justice for the victims.
This case also highlights the role of international organisations, such as the ICC, in situations where States fail to conduct adequate investigations into grave violations of human rights. Therefore, the case has garnered significant interest from the international community and has been praised by human rights organisations for advancing accountability and the right to life and justice in the Philippines.
