Sen Bato Dela Rosa plans Hague visit despite arrest risk

Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa said Thursday that he plans to visit former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, who was arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 11 for alleged crimes during his war on drugs.

Dela Rosa mentioned during an interview that he will try applying for a Schengen visa and hopes to meet Duterte regardless of the election outcome, even if it means risking arrest himself.

When asked about potential arrest if he visits, Dela Rosa stated that it would be okay if they detain him and joked about wearing a wig to avoid recognition.

As one of the main accused in the ICC investigation into Duterte's war on drugs, Dela Rosa previously expressed willingness to surrender but now considers hiding if authorities implement an ICC warrant against him.

Dela Rosa served as chief of the Philippine National Police during Duterte's drug campaign and described himself as the number two accused in the ICC probe.