Bato stands by Drug War, calls for calm amid impending ICC arrest

Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa stood firm on his leadership of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, declaring he has “no regrets” and appealed for “peaceful support” from fellow law enforcers despite the looming threat of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

In a briefing with reporters on May 13, the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief turned emotional as he framed the legal challenge as a matter of Philippine sovereignty and personal sacrifice.

Dela Rosa said the issue was not political but about “maintaining the sovereignty of the Philippines,” stressing that Filipinos may be called to sacrifice for the country’s independence and constitutional order.

“The issue here is to maintain the sovereignty of the Philippines,” he said. “We belong to one country. We serve under one Constitution.”

Addressing his former colleagues in the uniformed services, Dela Rosa appealed for solidarity by invoking the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni song as he called on his “cavalier” brothers-in-arms to show “peaceful support” through shared sentiments.

“I am appealing for peaceful support… who are placed in the same boat,” Dela Rosa said. “I’ve been very faithful in carrying out my service to the Filipino people for my whole life. And now, this is what’s going to happen to me?”

The Senator warned that his potential arrest sets a precedent that could affect other officers who served the country. 

He questioned why the Philippine government would allow the implementation of a warrant from the ICC, asserting that the country is “not under the obligation” to follow the international body’s mandates.

When pressed on whether he regretted his role in the controversial anti-drug campaign, Dela Rosa stated he remains “very happy” to see Filipinos enjoying a peaceful environment.

“I’m very happy to see our fellow countrymen enjoying our peaceful environment,” he said, adding that some Filipinos had thanked him for making communities safer.

He also admitted to occasionally wondering why he served so intensely while others “just took it easy” and are now enjoying a quiet retirement, but concluded he maintains his official stand.

Dela Rosa acknowledged that enforcing the drug war led to the current possibility of arrest but refused to back down, maintaining that he was prepared to face legal processes.

“Let the rule of law take its course,” he said.

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