By Gabriel Kim Leal
(September 21, 2024) – Two lawmakers on Saturday challenged Sen. Bato Dela Rosa to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) and explain his role during the brutal war on drugs of his close ally, former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In a joint statement, Quezon City Rep. Jude Acidre and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon criticized Dela Rosa for avoiding accountability, following his accusation that the House of Representatives was playing politics in its probe.
“Sana harapin na lang ni Sen. Bato ang asunto niya sa ICC, para makaharap niya na rin at madinig ang malulungkot na kuwento ng mga naulila ng mga napatay noong drug war,” said Acidre, who is also the deputy majority leader.
The ICC is investigating Duterte, Dela Rosa, and several police officers for possible crimes against humanity during the bloody war on drugs, which killed 30,000 individuals.
Its connection to the drug trade and illegal operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators is being probed by the quad committee of the lower chamber.
Dela Rosa, who was the chief of the Philippine National Police during the height of the cruel anti-drug campaign, maintained that he would not attend the hearings, which he described as a “demolition job” and a “fishing expedition.”
“He cannot deny that he played a central role in the implementation of the bloody drug war,” added Acidre. “Kung ayaw niyang magpaliwanag dito sa ating Kongreso, sa ICC na lang magpaliwanag. The families of the victims and the international community deserve answers for the thousands of deaths under his watch.”
Bongalon echoed Acidre, citing the testimonies of witnesses that implicate Dela Rosa.
“The quad committee hearings revealed that police forces were given orders to shoot on sight. How can Sen. Dela Rosa deny his involvement when the bloodiest parts of the war on drugs were carried out under his command?” said Bongalon, who is also the assistant majority leader.
Last August, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio claimed that arrest warrants against Duterte and other suspects could be issued by the ICC this September.
(PM)
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