Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Saturday urged Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa to 'peacefully and voluntarily' surrender as its efforts to locate the lawmaker to serve a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) continue. NBI chief Melvin Matibag stated that Dela Rosa is considered 'armed and dangerous,' following the standard protocol for handling a 'fugitive from justice.'
According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI presumes that all subjects of a warrant may be armed and could resist arrest. Matibag emphasized this point during a news forum in Quezon City, highlighting the importance of being prepared for any scenario. He also made a public appeal to Senator Bato to surrender voluntarily, describing it as a necessary part of the legal process.
Matibag expressed his belief that Dela Rosa is still within the country, even though his current location is unknown. The Department of Justice recently confirmed that the Philippine National Police and the NBI have been instructed to carry out the arrest following the Supreme Court's rejection of Dela Rosa's plea for a temporary restraining order.
Dela Rosa was last seen leaving the Senate building in Pasay City on May 14, shortly after participating in a vote to remove Senator Vicente Sotto III as Senate president. The ICC seeks Dela Rosa's arrest due to his alleged involvement in the killings of drug users and pushers during the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.
