MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Monday said that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa may be safer staying in the Philippines than fleeing abroad, where he could face a greater risk of arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
Lacson said the international nature of the warrant would limit Dela Rosa’s options for seeking refuge overseas.
"Sen. dela Rosa's situation is difficult because the ICC warrant is international. Where will he go? If he goes abroad, he would be more exposed and it will be easier for authorities to arrest him," Lacson said in an interview with DZMM radio.
The warrant against Dela Rosa is linked to the ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed in connection with the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Lacson said that had the arrest warrant been issued in the Philippines, Dela Rosa could have sought refuge in a country that has no extradition treaty with the Philippines.
"But if it was the ICC that issued the warrant, he'll have a harder time hiding. He would be safer in the Philippines," he said.
Lacson also warned against denying Dela Rosa due process in response to the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration.
"It is wrong to argue that since EJK victims were denied due process, dela Rosa should also be denied due process," he said.
On Sunday, Lacson said he is hoping that if Dela Rosa is arrested, it will be peaceful and without bloodshed.
