Dela Rosa changes tune: ‘Why will I surrender?’

Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. Senate PRIB file photo

MANMILA, Philippines — After previously declaring that he was ready to surrender if the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issues a warrant for his arrest, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is now singing a different tune.

On Wednesday, the principal enforcer of former President Duterte’s drug war said he was ready to go on the lam should the Supreme Court reject his petition challenging the government’s decision to hand over Duterte to the ICC.

READ: Dela Rosa says he’s in secret PH location

“If I no longer see justice here in our country, why will I surrender?” Dela Rosa told reporters in a phone interview.

Asked if he would go into hiding to evade arrest, he replied: “That’s included in my courses of action. I’m considering that.” He also said he may decide to hole himself up in his Senate office.

This contradicted his earlier remarks in an interview on March 12 when he said: “If there is a warrant, I’m ready. I’ll take care of the President. That is my purpose. I’ll submit myself if there is a warrant.”