Palace to Bato: Don’t let this end in bloodshed

National

SURRENDER, not bloodshed.

That was Malacañang’s message to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Wednesday as it urged him to turn himself in over an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for crimes against humanity.

The appeal came after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned that an attempt to arrest dela Rosa could result in 10,000 deaths. Remulla said he received information two months ago that the senator, who was last monitored in Mindanao, was being protected by an armed group.

“Just surrender so that no more blood will be shed. At the same time, we know that the law must prevail over those who are harboring them. So, do not serve as an instrument for people who should be held accountable under the law,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a briefing, as quoted by Inquirer.net

Castro also cautioned those allegedly helping dela Rosa evade arrest against becoming intermediaries for individuals who should face accountability for alleged abuses.

She described the reported protection provided by an armed group as a “national threat” but declined to disclose details of operations to arrest the senator. Castro said such groups undermine institutions and obstruct the enforcement of the law.

Castro questioned whether the armed group was associated with dela Rosa and stressed the need to investigate its identity and hold its members accountable for any abuses. She also warned against a situation in which individuals facing potential legal charges could seek protection from groups accustomed to violence after the president’s term ends.

Dela Rosa left the Senate before dawn in May, after staying there for protection when agents of the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to arrest him under the ICC warrant.

He reportedly fled at around 2:30 a.m. in a vehicle belonging to Sen. Robin Padilla, hours after a standoff and shooting involving law enforcement personnel and Senate security.(MyTVCebu)