Politics · Philippines Bureau
Justice Secretary Defends P50M Bounty for Dela Rosa's Arrest
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida has defended the legality of a P50 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who has been in hiding since an ICC arrest warrant was issued against him in May.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on Wednesday defended the government's offer of a P50 million bounty for any information that could lead to the arrest of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, asserting that the incentive is legally sound.
Dela Rosa has remained in hiding since May, when the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against the former Philippine National Police chief. The bounty was established as part of efforts to locate and apprehend the senator in connection with the warrant.
Vida's statement comes as the government intensifies its push to enforce the ICC order. The justice official stressed that offering financial incentives for tips leading to arrests is a standard law enforcement practice authorized under Philippine law.
The senator faces allegations related to his role in the government's controversial drug war campaign during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa has consistently denied wrongdoing and challenged the ICC's jurisdiction over the matter.