Politics · Singapore Bureau
Manila defends 50 million peso bounty for ICC-wanted senator
The Philippine presidential palace has justified a substantial financial reward for information leading to the arrest of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who is sought by the International Criminal Court. Officials characterised the bounty as part of a coordinated law enforcement operation.
LSN Singapore ·
MANILA — The Philippine government on Monday defended a 50 million peso ($786,646) bounty placed on Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, with the presidential palace characterising the reward as a legitimate law enforcement measure. The Interior Department and Philippine National Police jointly announced the bounty for information that could lead to the senator's arrest, prompting questions about the government's stance toward the ICC-wanted official.
Senator dela Rosa, a former National Police chief, is among several Philippine officials sought by the International Criminal Court over alleged extrajudicial killings during the country's war on drugs. The bounty represents a significant escalation in domestic efforts to locate the senator, who has maintained his innocence against the charges.
Official statements from the palace did not elaborate on the specific operational details or timeline for the bounty programme. The reward amount underscores the priority placed on apprehending the fugitive senator through what authorities described as standard criminal procedure.
The development reflects mounting tensions between the Philippine government and the ICC regarding its investigation into alleged human rights violations. It also signals potential divisions within the country's political establishment over how to handle officials facing international prosecution.