Politics · Philippines Bureau
PNP issues ultimatum to Sen. dela Rosa over ICC arrest warrant
The Philippine National Police has given Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa seven days to surrender following the issuance of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the ultimatum after the senator went into hiding.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Philippine National Police on Friday set a one-week deadline for Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to turn himself in, following the ICC's issuance of an arrest warrant against him.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. delivered the ultimatum, marking an escalation in efforts to locate the senator, who has evaded authorities since the international warrant was issued. The deadline underscores mounting pressure on the high-ranking official to face the ICC proceedings.
The arrest warrant stems from allegations related to the former police chief's role during the implementation of the drug war when he headed the Philippine National Police. The ICC has been investigating alleged extrajudicial killings and crimes against humanity in connection with the anti-narcotics campaign.
The move comes as various government agencies coordinate efforts to respond to the ICC's warrant. The Department of the Interior and Local Government has also been involved in discussions regarding the matter, according to official statements.
Senator dela Rosa has previously challenged the ICC's jurisdiction over Philippine matters, and his legal team has indicated they will contest the warrant. The situation remains fluid as the one-week deadline approaches, with questions lingering over how authorities will proceed if the senator does not comply.