Former President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte has thrown Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa under the bus at the International Criminal Court (ICC), stating that it was Dela Rosa, during his tenure as chief of the Philippine National Police, who ordered the bloody campaign against illegal drugs under his administration.
This was revealed during an interview on DZMM by former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, who serves as one of the lawyers representing the families of Duterte’s drug war victims.
“ Parang itinuro na sila (mga pulis) ni President Duterte sa last confirmation of charges hearing.Ang banggit ni President Duterte doon, nung ina-allege ng prosecution na may common plan, na utos nya yun, ang sagot niya “ hindi ko inutos iyon. Gawa ng mga pulis yun,” Colmenares said.
“Essentially, nilaglag nya ang mga pulis, including Sen. Bato. Ibig sabihin, si Bato pala ang nag-utos nun. Ganun ang pahiwatig nya,” Colmenares added.
He noted that what Duterte told the ICC contradicts his previous assurances to the police that he was ready to go to jail for them regarding their implementation of his drug war.
“ Dati-rati ang sabi ni President Duterte “magpapakulong ako para sa inyo, huwag kayong mag-alala. I-amnesty ko kayo, i-pardon ko kayo.” Ngayon bigla niyang sinabi na “hindi ko inutos yun.” Nilaglag nya eh,”Colmenares said.
He further explained that arresting Dela Rosa would be a massive help to the families of the drug war victims who have long been seeking justice.
“Siya naman ang chief PNP. Siya naman ang nag-isyu ng OPLAN Double Barrel. Ang tingin ng mga kaanak ng mga biktima, si Sen. Bato is as much as responsible kay Duterte,” he explained.
“Si Sen. Bato will have a different confirmation of charges. Kakasuhan siya kapag nahuli, idadaan sa due process ng ICC yan,” he said.
The DILG has allocated a ₱50-million reward for anyone who can provide information to authorities leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest. # (RRN)
