Dela Rosa says won't surrender if ICC issues arrest warrant

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro criticized Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa for suggesting he might not surrender to the International Criminal Court if an arrest warrant is issued.

Castro emphasized during a press briefing on Thursday that such thinking would be detrimental to Filipino citizens and questioned whether Dela Rosa, as a former PNP chief, should hide instead of facing legal complaints head-on.

On Saturday, Dela Rosa reiterated his stance, saying he will not surrender or flee the country if an arrest warrant is issued against him by the ICC.

He maintained that his decision was due to perceived 'injustice' in Duterte's arrest and criticized CIDG chief Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III for leading the former president's arrest.

Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief during Duterte's administration and is a key figure in the controversial drug war being investigated by the ICC, remains steadfast in his refusal to surrender despite the potential negative consequences for ordinary citizens.