Philippines seeks Interpol red notice vs Bato

MANILA, Philippines, May 22 ------ The government is applying for an Interpol red notice against Sen. Ronald dela Rosa who has been in hiding for months since the issuance of a warrant for his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.

Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Polo Martinez revealed the development when asked if the government has already alerted law enforcement agencies around the globe to the issuance of an ICC arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. “As far as I know, there is an application for an Interpol red notice. That is a remedy available to us,” Martinez said.

In its website, the Interpol said a red notice “is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.” Martinez also maintained that there is no need for a court to issue a hold departure order (HDO) against Dela Rosa since he does not face any case before domestic courts. “You can’t apply for a hold departure order because there’s no existing case against him. You may apply for a PHDO (precautionary HDO), but even then, there will have to be a case and preliminary investigation, both of which can only be applied for in the courts,” he added.

Martinez recalled the DOJ placed Dela Rosa under an immigration lookout bulletin order. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Dela Rosa’s inclusion in ILBO came after his clandestine pre-dawn departure from the Senate hours after a shooting incident that sparked mayhem in the chamber. In a text message, Palace press officer Claire Castro said Dela Rosa can rest assured that his rights are protected in case he gets served the ICC arrest warrant. “The DOJ clearly stated that the arrest warrant against Senator Bato is already enforceable. Appropriate action that is in accordance with the law can be expected from the government,” Castro said. “Our officials will do everything to serve justice to everyone.”

On criticism raised by former senator Franklin Drilon that agencies appear to be unsure which of them should serve the arrest warrant, Castro said that while the administration understands his view, “we take a somewhat different stance because the administration only acts in accordance with the law, regulations and facts.” “We stay focused without acting carelessly,” she added.

Source: philstar.com