Senate minority seeks talks to avert bloodshed in Bato arrest
Members of the Senate minority bloc pose for a photo after the opening of the second regulat session of the 20th Congress, hours before the Presindent's SONA, on 27 July.
Joseph Vidal
The Senate minority bloc on Saturday urged the Marcos administration to negotiate a peaceful surrender with Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, warning against a potentially bloody confrontation as authorities intensify efforts to arrest the former police chief over his alleged involvement in the Duterte administration’s deadly war on drugs.
In a statement, the minority offered to facilitate talks between the government and Dela Rosa’s lawyers, saying his willingness to face charges before Philippine courts should serve as a basis for dialogue.
“We believe a peaceful resolution that respects our laws and protects lives remains possible,” the bloc said in a statement.
“We appeal to everyone concerned—the executive, law enforcement, Senator Dela Rosa and his family and counsel, his supporters, and anyone who can influence events on the ground—to exercise restraint and keep communication open,” they added.
Dela Rosa, who served as the first Philippine National Police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa has denied wrongdoing and maintained that he should be tried before Philippine courts rather than the international tribunal.
The minority said the senator’s publicly stated willingness to answer accusations locally should not be disregarded.
“The Minority is ready to help work out a lawful process through which the allegations can be heard and answered, with fairness to those seeking justice and a full opportunity for him to defend himself.”
Sovereignty dispute
The bloc also pressed the administration to explain how its pursuit of Dela Rosa aligns with its earlier position on the ICC, reviving questions about Philippine sovereignty and the enforcement of warrants issued by the international tribunal.
“We respectfully ask that the protection of Philippine sovereignty and the rights of our citizens remain central to the government’s decisions,” the bloc said.
To illustrate its position, the bloc raised the hypothetical case of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an ICC arrest warrant, visiting Manila.
The senators argued that Philippine authorities would be expected to carefully examine domestic laws, international obligations and arrest procedures before deciding whether to detain and surrender a visiting foreign leader.
“Although the legal circumstances differ, Senator Dela Rosa, a Filipino citizen in his own country, deserves no less care in protecting his rights,” they said.