(Manila, 16th) Philippine Justice Minister Fredderick Vida said that the country will definitely comply with the International Criminal Court (ICC) request to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is implicated in crimes against humanity.
According to Reuters and The Philippine Star, Vida made the statement to reporters on Friday (May 15). He also stated that he had instructed border control authorities to arrest dela Rosa if he attempts to leave the country.
Vida said that the arrest warrant issued by the ICC for dela Rosa is valid and that the executive branch has formally received the pending request for the warrant through the Justice Department. As an equal branch under the separation of powers, the Justice Department respects the Senate's decision to place dela Rosa under protective custody.
He also emphasized that if all legal issues surrounding the arrest of dela Rosa are resolved, dela Rosa is expected to be handed over to the Justice Department.
He also emphasized that if all legal issues surrounding the arrest of dela Rosa are resolved, dela Rosa is expected to be handed over to the Justice Department.
Dela Rosa previously served as the chief of the National Police under former President Duterte and led the anti-drug operations. Duterte has been detained by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity during the war on drugs, and dela Rosa has also been officially listed as a wanted person.
Dela Rosa earlier sought refuge in the Senate to avoid being turned over to the ICC. Multiple gunshots were reported inside the Senate building on Wednesday night (13th), causing chaos and a temporary lockdown at the scene.
The Philippine Interior Minister and the Senate President later stated that dela Rosa had left the Senate building for the safety of everyone.
Senate President Cayetano did not disclose dela Rosa's whereabouts and sternly denied that the shooting incident was staged to distract or to assist dela Rosa's escape.
Dela Rosa earlier sought refuge in the Senate to avoid being turned over to the ICC. Multiple gunshots were reported inside the Senate building on Wednesday night (13th), causing chaos and a temporary lockdown at the scene.
The Philippine Interior Minister and the Senate President later stated that dela Rosa had left the Senate building for the safety of everyone.
Senate President Cayetano did not disclose dela Rosa's whereabouts and sternly denied that the shooting incident was staged to distract or to assist dela Rosa's escape.