MANILA, Philippines — Fredderick Vida on Thursday warned that individuals who help or conceal Senator Ronald dela Rosa could face legal consequences following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court.
Vida issued the statement after announcing that the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation may enforce the ICC arrest warrant against dela Rosa.
“Those who might be aiding, abetting, or helping Sen. Bato evade the law, there are consequences,” Vida said. “If [he is] hidden, it is not only in the eyes of Philippine law but also under the law of the ICC, because this is a validly issued arrest warrant.”
Vida said harboring or assisting a wanted individual could lead to liability under Philippine law and international legal frameworks. He noted that Article 70 of the Rome Statute gives the ICC jurisdiction over offenses against the administration of justice, including obstruction-related acts.
The justice secretary also said the implementation of the ICC warrant is part of the government’s obligation to pursue accountability and is not politically motivated.
“We must remember that these victims’ search for justice started in 2017,” Vida said, referring to deaths linked to the anti-drug campaign during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Vida added that the government has a responsibility to support the families of victims and ensure accountability through the enforcement of the arrest order.