Sen. Bato dela Rosa Speaks on Possibility of ICC Issuing Arrest Warrant against him
BATO DELA ROSA – The former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief turned Senator stressed that he will not allow himself to be arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The International Criminal Court, more popularly called ICC, have long expressed a desire to investigate the war on drugs of the Duterte administration. It was the most popular campaign of the previous administration and it is linked to thousands of deaths.
However, in 2019, Duterte removed the Philippines from the jurisdiction of the ICC as the probe did not sit well with him. Since then, he would often express in public interviews and events that he will not allow himself to be judged by the foreign entities.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte stressed that he will only answer to the accusations against him before the Philippine courts. However, last March 11, the Filipino populace was left shocked when the former President was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and sent to The Hague, Netherlands via Dubai.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos claimed that the government acted on Duterte’s arrest because of its commitment with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). He stressed that the legal procedure was observed in the arrest of the former President.
Malacañang defended Pres. Bongbong Marcos and the government from “betrayal” accusations following the surrender of Duterte to the ICC. The Palace claimed that the government only performed its job.
Aside from former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, another person that is speculated to be part of the ICC investigation for his role in the war on drugs of the previous administration is Sen. Bato dela Rosa. He was the chief of the PNP during the implementation of the previous admin’s anti-drugs campaign.
Recently, Sen. Bato dela Rosa conceded that former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest warrant is valid but maintained that he will not allow himself to be arrested by the ICC in case it also issues an arrest warrant against him. Based on a report on Inquirer, the Senator echoed the previous stance of former Pres. Duterte.
“Why will I face that warrant when we no longer recognize the ICC? That warrant has no jurisdiction over my person,” Dela Rosa said.
Based on the report, Sen. Bato dela Rosa expressed that he will face the arrest warrant if it is issued by the Supreme Court or the local courts. According to him, he will not allow himself to be arrested by the ICC but he assured that he will not leave the Philippines.
“I will not allow myself to be arrested…. “I will not leave my comfort zone,” the Senator said.
Previously, Sen. Dela Rosa admitted that hiding from the authorities is part of his course of action in case the ICC issues an arrest warrant. It is contrary to his previous pronouncement that he is ready to join and take care of Duterte in The Hague if all legal remedies fail.