The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed its readiness to support law enforcement operations aimed at tracking down and arresting Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
When questioned about whether the military is currently participating in the manhunt for the fugitive lawmaker, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla clarified their position on the matter.
”So, tayo po sa AFP, we remain grounded in law and lawful orders. So, in the event that we are required to augment or assist, dyan po tayo magbibigay ng ating serbisyo,” Padilla said.
Regarding whether a formal request has already been made for military intervention, Padilla declined to provide specifics.
”These are all operational details po that hindi na po natin madi-divulge,” she added.
However, she pointed out that such undertakings fall primarily under the jurisdiction of civilian authorities like the Philippine National Police (PNP).
”We would like to emphasize na ito pong ganitong operasyon ang, (the) frontliners are law enforcement agencies,” Padilla noted.
Echoing this stance, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad affirmed the military’s supportive role in a separate statement.
The military “when required and called upon to do it, will always support law enforcement operations.”
Dela Rosa, who commanded the PNP from 2016 to 2018 during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was previously under the protective custody of the Senate. He reportedly slipped out of the legislative building around 2:30 a.m. on May 14.
Both Dela Rosa and Duterte stand accused of crimes against humanity before the international court.
Duterte has been in detention at The Hague since last year, with his trial scheduled to commence this November.