The Supreme Court has rejected Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s request to block his arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida has ordered law enforcement to pursue the senator. Dela Rosa remains out of public view following recent events.
By a 9-5-1 vote on Wednesday, the Supreme Court denied dela Rosa’s petition for a temporary restraining order. The ruling instructed the executive branch to proceed with enforcement of the ICC warrant.
On Thursday, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida directed authorities to begin the search for the senator. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. called on dela Rosa to respect the legal process, citing his former role as PNP head.
The National Bureau of Investigation described dela Rosa as presumed armed and dangerous. His lawyer, Israelito Torreon, objected to the characterization. A lookout bulletin order dated May 14 is in effect, but no hold-departure order has been issued.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that future ICC arrest warrants against alleged co-perpetrators would be enforced immediately under Republic Act 9851.
