DOJ chief confirms receipt of ICC warrant vs Bato, possible arrest if senator leaves PH

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on May 15 confirmed that the country has received the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

During a press briefing, Vida verified the existence of the warrant, following the circulation of the copy of the document online.

“On the arrest warrant issued by the ICC against Senator Bato dela Rosa…I do confirm that there is a valid ICC arrest warrant and a pending request from ICC to serve the same has been duly received by the Philippines,” the Secretary said in a statement.

The Justice chief warned that any attempt of the senator to leave the country will be treated as “mockery of justice”, directing law enforcement agents and border control authorities to arrest dela Rosa if he tries to flee the country.

“The Department of Justice will treat any attempt of Senator Bato dela Rosa to leave the country as a mockery of justice and I am giving specific orders to law enforcement agents, to our border control authorities that if Senator Bato dela Rosa would try to leave the country, that an appropriate arrest should be made,” Vida clarified.

Vida also disclosed that the DOJ has already met with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) which is expected to submit its formal comment on the matter, no later than 6:43 P.M tomorrow.

According to the chief, dela Rosa’s camp has been given another 72 hours to submit their reply on the comments submitted in relation to the case,

Visa said the department is expecting the Senate to turnover Dela Rosa to authorities once all the legal issues have been resolved for his arrest.

Dela Rosa has escaped the senate premises after his appearance at the Senate on May 11 following his 6-month long absence.