Senator Bato Dela Rosa Declared Armed and Dangerous Amid ICC Arrest Warrant
NBI: Dela Rosa presumed armed, dangerous as search continues
Image: Inquirer
Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa is presumed 'armed and dangerous' as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seeks to execute an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to his involvement in the drug war during former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. Dela Rosa's whereabouts are currently unknown following his disappearance from the Senate on May 14.
- 01The NBI has formed a dedicated team to locate Dela Rosa, who is now classified as a 'fugitive from justice.'
- 02The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Dela Rosa on May 11, citing his role in crimes against humanity during the drug war.
- 03NBI chief Melvin Matibag emphasized the need for caution in the operation to capture Dela Rosa due to his presumed dangerousness.
- 04Dela Rosa has been linked to the deaths of at least 32 individuals between July 3, 2016, and April 2018.
- 05Matibag has urged Dela Rosa to surrender peacefully, acknowledging his experience as a former police chief.
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Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa is currently evading arrest following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant related to his alleged involvement in the extrajudicial killings during the drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has declared him 'armed and dangerous' as they intensify their search for him. NBI chief Melvin Matibag confirmed that Dela Rosa is now considered a 'fugitive from justice' after he slipped out of the Senate premises on May 14, shortly after a shooting incident. The ICC issued the arrest warrant on May 11, citing reasonable grounds for believing that Dela Rosa was responsible for crimes against humanity, including the murder of at least 32 people from July 3, 2016, to April 2018. Matibag has formed a specialized team to locate the senator and instructed law enforcement to proceed with caution. He has also publicly appealed to Dela Rosa to surrender peacefully, noting that as a former chief of the Philippine National Police, Dela Rosa understands law enforcement tactics.
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Dela Rosa's evasion of arrest could lead to increased tensions between law enforcement and political figures in the Philippines, especially regarding accountability for past actions during the drug war.
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