MALACANANG called on Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Wednesday to voluntarily turn himself in to authorities following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC), warning that continued resistance could lead to violence.
“Just surrender. Turn yourself in so that no more blood will be shed,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro appealed during a press briefing. The call follows confirmation from Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla that dela Rosa is currently in Mindanao under the protection of a group, and that law enforcement cannot move in to apprehend him without risking a potentially bloody confrontation.
Castro also addressed the group shielding the senator, urging them not to stand in the way of justice. “To those protecting him: remember that the law must prevail. Do not serve as instruments for those who need to be held accountable,” she stated. “Do not act as a bridge that allows someone who must answer to his alleged victims to escape.” The ICC warrant relates to dela Rosa’s alleged role in the former administration’s anti‑drug campaign, which the court has linked to thousands of deaths and crimes against humanity. Former President Rodrigo Duterte is already detained at The Hague awaiting trial in the same case.
Authorities are currently seeking to negotiate dela Rosa’s peaceful turnover. The Department of Justice has confirmed that complaints against individuals who may have aided his evasion are under evaluation for preliminary investigation, while Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has announced that senators considered fugitive or detained will no longer receive their salaries. Dela Rosa’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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