Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson clarified that due process for Sen. Bato Dela Rosa does not mean shielding the lawmaker from trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Lacson said due process means Dela Rosa should face ICC proceedings without his life being endangered and without violence occurring during any arrest operation.
He stressed that due process is a fundamental right guaranteed to every individual, including his former colleague in the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF).
Dela Rosa is currently facing an arrest warrant issued by the ICC in connection with the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Authorities have offered a ₱50-million reward for information leading to the arrest of the senator, who has been declared a fugitive from justice by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
Meanwhile, PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. earlier rejected calls for a “shoot-to-kill” approach in arresting Dela Rosa, insisting that the police force’s duty is to enforce the law in accordance with legal procedures.
The developments continue to draw public attention as authorities weigh the implementation of actions related to the ICC case against the senator.