Palace: PNP to work with Interpol if Bato evades ICC warrant

Palace Communications Officer Claire Castro said Thursday that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) should Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa go into hiding if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant of arrest against him.

This follows Dela Rosa's statement on Wednesday, where he mentioned considering evading authorities and refusing to surrender if an ICC-issued warrant is enforced.

"Well, kung wala tayong makita na hustisya dito sa ating bansa, bakit ka susuko? (Well, if we can't find justice here in our country, why would you surrender?)" Dela Rosa said.

Castro emphasized that the palace does not support Dela Rosa’s stance, warning that it sets a troubling precedent for public accountability.

“Nakakapagtaka lamang po na siya ay dati pang PNP Chief. ‘Yan po ba ang gusto niyang ipahiwatig sa taumbayan, na kapag may warrant of arrest ay dapat magtago? (It is simply puzzling that he was a former PNP Chief. Is that what he wants to imply to the public, that when there is a warrant of arrest, one should go into hiding?)” Castro questioned.

She reaffirmed that if Dela Rosa evades arrest and Interpol seeks assistance, the PNP will act in accordance with Republic Act 9851, which outlines the country's obligations in cooperating with international legal proceedings.

Dela Rosa has been identified as one of the individuals tagged as a co-perpetrator alongside former president Rodrigo Duterte in the application for a warrant of arrest posted on the ICC website.

The ICC's investigation focuses on alleged crimes against humanity tied to the Duterte administration's controversial war on drugs. Dela Rosa, who previously served as PNP chief, played a central role in implementing the administration's anti-narcotics campaign.