Statement of PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III on Possible Arrest Warrant vs. Sen. Bato dela Rosa
PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III spoke on the possibility of an arrest order issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against reelected Senator Bato dela Rosa.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte remains under the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands for more than two (2) months now. He was arrested by the Philippine authorities last March 11 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) upon his arrival from Hong Kong.
Then CIDG chief Nicolas Torre III who was recently appointed by Pres. Bongbong Marcos as the new PNP chief led the implementation of the transfer of the custody of Duterte. The former President was flown to The Hague via Dubai on the same day that he was arrested. He is faced with an allegation of crimes against humanity over his administration’s war on drugs.
During the intensified implementation of the Duterte admin’s war on drugs, the Philippine National Police was led by then PNP chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. The former PNP Chief-turned-Senator has claimed that he is the number two person in the ICC list for investigation of the drug war.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte previously claimed that Sen. Bato dela Rosa’s name is allegedly included in the ICC list of personalities who might be arrested. According to the Vice President, her name was also on the list but there were several other names including Dela Rosa’s who came ahead of hers.
Since the arrest of Duterte, the Senator had several instances of a change of stance. He previously said that he is ready to join the former Duterte in The Hague but it was followed by statements that he won’t allow himself to be arrested by the ICC. He also echoed Duterte’s statements that he will only allow an arrest by the Philippine authorities to be tried before a Philippine court.
The International Criminal Court previously confirmed that the probe on the other personalities who might be involved in the drug war is ongoing. The ICC also confirmed that there might be more arrest warrants depending on the decision of the judges.
Recently, newly-installed PNP chief Nicolas Torre III was asked about his side on the possible arrest order from the ICC over Sen. Bato dela Rosa. Based on a report on PhilStar, the PNP Chief claimed that the national police is preparing a contingency plan in case the ICC issues an arrest warrant.
However, PNP chief Nicolas Torre III declined to give further details as he does not want to speculate on what might happen in the coming days. According to him, it will be met when it comes.
“We’ll cross the bridge when we get there. It’s hard to pre-empt what can happen. What if nothing comes up?” PNP chief Nicolas Torre III said.
Based on the report, the new PNP Chief stressed that it has to be acted upon when it’s already there. According to him, they will make decisions when it comes. Previously, Sen. Bato dela Rosa claimed that there are allegedly “ICC investigators” in the country as he issued a challenge to Pres. Bongbong Marcos to deport them.