Politics · Philippines Bureau
MNLF-Sema faction denies sheltering ICC-wanted senator dela Rosa
The Moro National Liberation Front faction led by Muslimin Sema has rejected claims it is harboring Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who faces International Criminal Court charges related to the Duterte administration's drug war.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — The MNLF faction chaired by Muslimin Sema issued a statement on Thursday categorically denying that the organization is providing protection or shelter to Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Dela Rosa faces investigation and potential prosecution by the ICC over allegations related to the aggressive anti-narcotics campaign conducted during the Duterte presidency, which human rights groups have criticized for resulting in thousands of deaths.
The denial from the MNLF-Sema faction comes amid widespread speculation about the former Philippine National Police chief's whereabouts following the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants against several Philippine officials connected to the controversial drug war.
The MNLF-Sema group, a faction of the larger Moro separatist movement, has historically maintained a presence in Mindanao and has been involved in various peace processes with the Philippine government. The statement's release underscores growing concerns about potential safe havens for individuals facing international criminal investigations in the southern Philippines.