Dela Rosa, a former national police chief and one of the principal architects of Duterte’s war on drugs, has remained inside the Philippine Senate building for a third consecutive day after Senate leaders blocked attempts by authorities to serve an ICC arrest warrant.

The senator, widely known by his nickname “Bato,” faces accusations of crimes against humanity, specifically murder, alongside Duterte and other alleged co-perpetrators linked to the anti-narcotics crackdown that rights groups say left thousands dead.
“I am not appealing for violent support.

I am appealing for peaceful support,” Dela Rosa told reporters, urging military personnel and fellow graduates of the Philippine Military Academy to publicly oppose any move by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration to surrender him to international authorities.

Outside the Senate complex in Manila, approximately 500 riot police were deployed as several hundred demonstrators gathered to demand Dela Rosa’s arrest and extradition to the ICC. Protesters described him as a central figure in the deadly anti-drug campaign launched during Duterte’s presidency.

Dela Rosa served as Philippine police chief from 2016 to 2018, overseeing the early and most intense phase of Duterte’s crackdown on narcotics. Human rights organizations and international investigators have alleged that many of those killed were low-level drug suspects and users.

Duterte himself was arrested in March last year and transferred to The Hague on the same day, where he remains in detention awaiting trial before the ICC.

Dela Rosa had largely avoided public appearances since November before resurfacing this week during a Senate vote that enabled Duterte-aligned lawmakers to secure leadership control of the chamber.

The Senate’s new leadership has stated it would permit Dela Rosa’s arrest only if directed by a Philippine court rather than solely on the basis of the ICC warrant.

A spokesperson for Marcos said on Tuesday that the president would not interfere in Senate decisions regarding the matter.

The Philippine Supreme Court has yet to rule on Dela Rosa’s petition seeking to block the government from enforcing the ICC arrest order.

California Congressman Ro Khanna emphasized the growing bipartisan recognition that US policy on Israel needs reevaluation in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He urged Congress to acknowledge Palestinian aspirations and stressed that moral clarity must guide US foreign policy. Khanna noted that global consensus supports Palestinian statehood, while the US continues to lag behind international calls for justice.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II spoke passionately about protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian support reaches those in need. He vowed not to accept campaign contributions from organizations funding ongoing violence and highlighted the local connection, noting that many families in Michigan’s Greater Detroit area have relatives affected by the conflict.

“Everyone deserves the right to safety, food, shelter, and a future free from violence,” Gilchrist said, earning a standing ovation. “These rights must be upheld both here in Michigan and around the world.”

The ADC honored activists and medical professionals, including Drs. Mohammed Mustafa and Mohammed Tahir, for their tireless efforts to save lives in Gaza under challenging conditions. Their stories underscored the urgent need for global attention, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for Palestinian civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly.

Panels at the convention explored the influence of social media on public opinion, challenges posed by algorithm-driven content moderation, and strategies to ensure accurate reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussions also covered student activism and campaigns supporting economic and diplomatic measures, including the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, highlighting the power of civic engagement in shaping US policy.

Former Wayne County Health Director Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a US Senate candidate, emphasized the role of citizens in promoting justice, human rights, and public accountability. He encouraged attendees to use advocacy and informed engagement to influence political decision-making and uphold the principles of equity and humanitarian responsibility.

The ADC convention underscored a growing commitment among American leaders and communities to defend human dignity, advocate for justice, and foster international dialogue. By combining activism, humanitarian action, and principled policymaking, the event demonstrated the power of the Arab-American community and its allies to drive meaningful change in US foreign policy and global awareness.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the ADC highlighted decades of advocacy and civil rights work, showcasing the organization’s ongoing dedication to amplifying critical voices and promoting solidarity, equity, and human rights worldwide.