Robin Padilla on Saturday said he has advised fellow senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa not to appear in public amid rumors that the International Criminal Court may have issued an arrest warrant against him.
Speaking in a radio interview with DWIZ, Padilla said rumors regarding a possible warrant have circulated for some time, although no official confirmation has been made public.
“There have long been rumors like that, but until I actually see a warrant, I always remind my idol… ‘Don’t show yourself in public,’” Padilla said.
The senator made the statement after reports surfaced early Saturday claiming that an alleged arrest order had supposedly been transmitted to Interpol.
However, Jonvic Remulla maintained that authorities have not received any such arrest order.
ICC links dela Rosa to drug war killings
Dela Rosa previously served as chief of the Philippine National Police during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and became one of the key figures associated with the government’s controversial war on drugs.
The ICC has previously identified dela Rosa as among the alleged co-perpetrators connected to extrajudicial killings linked to the anti-drug campaign.
Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained in The Hague and is set to face trial before the ICC.
Padilla says he would cooperate only with Philippine authorities
Padilla, a known ally of Duterte, said he would assist if Philippine authorities sought dela Rosa’s surrender, but opposed any effort involving foreign entities.
“If it were Philippine law enforcers looking for Bato, I myself would surrender Bato. But as long as they are foreigners, my heart cannot bear it,” Padilla said.
The senator also invoked nationalist sentiments, referencing revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan flag displayed behind him during the interview.
“If I will surrender Bato, that is a betrayal to Bonifacio,” he added.
Dela Rosa described as “ready for war”
Padilla disclosed that he recently met with dela Rosa and described the senator as “very fit” and “ready for war.”
“Well, he’s not a wanted man. I mean, he’s not a criminal. So anytime he calls me, I come,” Padilla said.
He also defended dela Rosa against criticism regarding his repeated absences from Senate sessions, saying the lawmaker has been absent since November because of the ongoing situation surrounding the ICC investigation.