SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa must have realized that he’s running out of options.
Fearing repatriation to face charges before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the fugitive legislator hinted at the idea of surrendering but on the condition that he be placed under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he served as Director-General during the previous administration.
According to Acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, he heard the request when the senator met with PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Dela Rosa left the Senate premises early Thursday morning, hours after gunshots rang out at the Senate amid lockdown at the legislative chamber.
The former PNP chief, who has an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for his role in the bloody war against drugs under the Duterte presidency, was placed under the protective custody of the Senate on Monday after National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents tried to arrest him.
Meanwhile, an official of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) called on peers to remain “united, calm, circumspect, and non-partisan” amid the tense situation facing a ‘fellow cavalier.’
Dela Rosa is a graduate of PMA Class of 1986.
“As Chairman and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the PMAAAI, I respectfully call on our members to remain united, calm, circumspect, and non-partisan amid the ongoing public discussions involving fellow Cavalier Senator Ronald Dela Rosa,” reads a statement attributed to PMAAI chairperson and CEO Ricardo David.
“We recognize that among Cavaliers there may be differing views and perspectives on the matter, including those who may stand on different sides of the issue in the performance of their respective duties and convictions,” the statement added.
“At this time, let us uphold the values that bind us together-honor, integrity, professionalism, and unity-while avoiding divisive rhetoric, personal attacks, and premature judgment.”
“Our brotherhood must remain stronger than our differences. Let us continue to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the PMA ideals we have sworn to uphold.”
