Senator Robin Padilla has urged his colleague Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa to stay out of the public eye amid circulating rumors of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Padilla's warning reflects concerns over Dela Rosa's legal standing as Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated he has not received any official arrest order.
During a radio interview, Padilla mentioned, 'There have long been rumors like that, but until I actually see a warrant, I always remind my idol… ‘Don’t show yourself in public.'
The speculation comes after reports claimed that Interpol might have received an arrest order regarding Dela Rosa, who previously led the Philippine National Police during the controversial anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The ICC has implicated Dela Rosa in alleged extrajudicial killings associated with this campaign. Duterte himself is currently facing legal proceedings in The Hague.
Padilla, a known ally of Duterte, expressed willingness to assist Philippine authorities in Dela Rosa's possible surrender but drew the line at foreign entities, stating, 'If it were Philippine law enforcers looking for Bato, I myself would surrender Bato. But as long as they are foreigners, my heart cannot bear it.'
Invoking nationalist sentiments, Padilla emphasized that surrendering Dela Rosa would be a betrayal to the legacy of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio.
He added that he recently met Dela Rosa, describing him as 'very fit, ready for war' and reaffirmed that he does not consider him a wanted criminal.
Dela Rosa has been notably absent from Senate sessions since November 10, raising questions about his commitment to his legislative duties.