Philippines: Police chief ‘Bato’ dela Rosa must be arrested and surrendered to ICC
Following the confirmation of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for former Philippines National Police (PNP) Chief, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Ritz Lee Santos III, Executive Director of Amnesty International Philippines, said:
“Following the ICC’s confirmation it has issued an arrest warrant for former PNP chief Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, the Philippines government should arrest him immediately. Similar to former President Rodrigo Duterte, he should then be surrendered to The Hague to answer for his alleged crimes.
“Dela Rosa held a key role in the implementation of the so-called ‘war on drugs’ under the administration of former President Duterte, responsible for command and direction over the police. He was also Chief of Police in Davao City, where Duterte allegedly established and oversaw the Davao Death Squad (DDS) while he was mayor. Now identified as wanted by the ICC, Dela Rosa should be surrendered to the Court’s custody urgently.
“Dela Rosa’s current position as Senator should not shield him from facing charges at the ICC. It is imperative that regardless of politics, the process of justice prevails.”
