Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa has stopped attending Senate sessions and hearings, reportedly going into hiding. His absence began on November 10 of this year, following a public statement by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.
ICC Warrant Triggers Disappearance
In a radio interview, Ombudsman Remulla revealed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, had issued a warrant of arrest for Senator Dela Rosa. This legal action is directly connected to the controversial war on drugs that Dela Rosa implemented as PNP chief during the administration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
President Duterte himself is currently detained at the ICC headquarters, facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to the same anti-drug campaign that claimed thousands of lives.
Advice from a Fellow Senator and Former Police Chief
Fellow Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, another former PNP chief, commented on the situation. He stated that Senator Bato messaged their chat group, joking that he would break Lacson's record for being in hiding. Lacson himself evaded authorities in 2010 before any court arrest order was officially released, concerning allegations of involvement in the murders of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000.
However, Senator Lacson clarified that no official arrest order has been publicly served against Dela Rosa yet. He suggested the senator is merely taking precautions, as he is among those named in the crimes against humanity case. "The Hague is far. If you get taken there, can you even return?" Lacson remarked.
A Game of Hide and Seek Between Two Ex-Cops
The situation highlights a peculiar scenario where two former national police chiefs, now elected senators, find themselves playing a high-stakes game of hide and seek. Lacson, who was PNP chief under former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada, explained his own past actions by saying he clarified his case when it was pursued, eliminating the fear of imprisonment.
His blunt advice to Senator Bato? "Just hide until you run out of breath if you have no intention of surrendering." Addressing law enforcement, Lacson added, "Look for Senator Bato until you run out of breath." He ended with a rhetorical question, noting he didn't teach Bato how to hide so effectively that he couldn't be found.
