MANILA, Philippines — Filipino groups based in the Netherlands said they are awaiting the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is the subject of an intensified police manhunt.
Joel Vega, convenor of Panagutin Netherlands Network, said the former police chief should be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“The ICC warrant must be enforced, and he must be brought to The Hague to answer for his crimes,” Vega said.
Fiona Magallanes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Netherlands agreed.
“The pursuit of justice cannot stop with Rodrigo Duterte. Bato dela Rosa, one of the principal implementers of the so-called war on drugs, must now be brought to The Hague. Bato once declared that he was willing to join Duterte in prison. He must now make good on those words and face accountability alongside his former boss,” Magallanes said.
The groups issued the statements hours after the ICC held its final status conference in the Duterte case on Monday.
Duterte was absent in the fifth pre-trial status conference. His trial will start on Nov. 30.
