The Philippine government has sent mixed signals on whether to arrest Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa over an International Criminal Court warrant for crimes against humanity. Officials say they will wait for a Supreme Court ruling but will act if he tries to leave the country.
Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa reappeared at the Senate on May 11 to support the election of Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president. He stayed there until a shooting incident occurred on May 13 involving Senate security and National Bureau of Investigation agents.
Dela Rosa left the Senate compound early on May 14 with Senator Robin Padilla. The Supreme Court had declined to issue a temporary restraining order on his petition against the warrant.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the Department of Justice will wait for the Supreme Court to resolve legal issues before making any arrest. He added that agents would arrest dela Rosa if he attempts to leave the country.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered a six-month suspension for Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca over the shooting and is seeking CCTV footage from the Senate.
