Bato seeks Senate protection amid ICC fears

Updated Fri, March 14, 2025 at 11:31 PM Published Wed, March 12, 2025 at 4:51 PM

Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa is seeking temporary protection from the Senate amid fears of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dela Rosa, who led the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the Duterte administration's drug war, believes he might be the next target.

House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin previously encouraged Dela Rosa to join Duterte at The Hague and assist in his legal defense instead of seeking refuge.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel criticized Dela Rosa, stating that the senator is using the Senate to shield himself from accountability for the drug war.

Manuel asserted that Dela Rosa is seeking re-election to the Senate to hide from his alleged crimes and use the institution as a shield.

He emphasized that the drug war would not have been possible without Duterte's orders and the actions of the PNP, which Dela Rosa headed.

Government data indicates approximately 6,000 deaths in the war on drugs, while human rights groups estimate the toll to be as high as 20,000.

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Philippine National Police Rodrigo Duterte Senate International Criminal Court Drug War Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa

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