Palace slams Bato plan to evade possible ICC arrest

Metro Manila, Philippines – The option of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa to evade a possible International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant is a poor example for the public and contradicts his role as a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that Dela Rosa should face the consequences of his actions in the bloody Duterte drug war and serve as a role model as an elected leader.

"Nakakapagtaka lamang po na siya ay dati pang PNP chief; iyan po ba ang gusto niya ring ipahiwatig sa taumbayan na kapag may warrant of arrest ay dapat magtago? Hindi po talaga tayo magtataka kung bakit natagalang sumuko or nahuli ang dating si Pastor Quiboloy," said Castro on Thursday, March 20.

[Translation: It is surprising that he was once PNP chief, yet this is what he wants to convey to the public - to go into hiding when an arrest warrant is served? It is no wonder why it took so long for former Pastor Quiboloy to surrender or be arrested.]

The Palace official was referring to the standoff in Davao City inSeptember when Quiboloy hid inside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound for more than two weeks.

"Hindi po ito makakabuti sa mga kababayan natin na mismong lider natin ay hindi haharapin ang anumang kaso o complaint na naisampa o maisasampa laban sa kaniya," Castro added.

[Translation: This will not do good to our countrymen if our very own leader refuses to face any case or complaint filed or to be filed against him.]

Castro said Dela Rosa did not accompany former President Rodrigo Duterte on his trip to Hong Kong ahead of the ICC arrest.

"At hindi po ba sabi natin, parang siya nga yata ang medyo umiwan kay dating Pangulong Duterte considering na hindi siya pumunta sa Hong Kong kasama sana nila. Hindi po ba dapat ang kaibigan ay walang iwanan?" she said.

[Translation: And didn’t we say that it seems he was the one who left former President Duterte, considering he did not go with them to Hong Kong? Shouldn't friends stick together?]

Malacañang stated that the government would pursue Dela Rosa if an ICC arrest warrant is coursed through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

"Kailangan po. Ganoon pa rin po ang ating gagawin – makikipag-coordinate pa rin po tayo sa Interpol at maaari pa rin po nating gamitin ang sinasabi sa batas, sa RA 9851," she said.

[Translation: It is necessary. We will still do the same—we will coordinate with Interpol and we can still use what the law states, under RA 9851]

Dela Rosa had previously said that he was considering going into hiding and not surrendering if authorities implement an ICC arrest warrant on him.

“That is one of the things we are considering. That is included in the possible courses of action we can take," Dela Rosa told reporters when asked if going into hiding was an option.