IN PROTECTION:
Video released by the Senate showed Ronald dela Rosa being chased through the halls of the upper chamber, pursued by National Bureau of Investigation officers
AFP, MANILA
Philippine authorities on Monday said that they would not arrest for now a lawmaker wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, capping a lengthy Senate standoff.Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who served as police chief and Duterte’s top enforcer during the bloody drug crackdown, would be treated as if in the custody of the Senate, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag told reporters after the politician had taken refuge in the legislative building.“We respect that they are a co-equal branch,” Matibag said after the Senate refused to allow Dela Rosa, better known by his nickname “Bato,” to be arrested.
Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa gestures during a plenary session at the Senate in Pasay City, Metro Manila, yesterday.
