MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre Speaks on Arrest Warrant vs. Sen. Bato dela Rosa
NICOLAS TORRE – The General Manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is willing to join the search for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that Sen. Bato dela Rosa is now a “fugitive” of the law and ordered his arrest. According to the justice department, the arrest warrant against the Senator by the International Criminal Court (ICC) is valid.
However, Dela Rosa has supposedly gone into hiding again after the recent controversial incident in the Senate. The DOJ warned that those who may help Dela Rosa may be held accountable before the law.
Amid the government’s pursuit to arrest the Senator, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has announced that the agency is prepared to extend assistance in finding the former Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Based on a report on News5, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre emphasized that the MMDA is ready to coordinate with law enforcement agencies if called upon to help in locating Sen. Bato dela Rosa. The former PNP Chief noted that the MMDA’s resources, including personnel and logistical support, could be mobilized to help the authorities in their operations.
The International Criminal Court began its preliminary examination into the Philippine drug war in 2018. In 2021, the ICC authorized a full investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during the campaign. Currently, former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is under the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.
The ICC eventually issued an arrest warrant against Sen. Bato Dela Rosa who was one of those mentioned in the case against Duterte. He was the first PNP Chief during the Duterte administration.
Amid the then-expected arrest warrant against him, Dela Rosa has consistently defended his actions insisting that the operations were allegedly lawful and necessary to curb the country’s drug menace. He also questioned the jurisdiction of the ICC.
“Part pa rin naman ako ng gobyerno e, kaya in terms of manhunt, pwede talaga kaming sumali,” Torre said.
Based on the report, speaking for Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III added that they are watching out as Sen. Bato dela Rosa may be hiding in the streets.
“Binabantayan namin. Malay mo, nagtago sa landfill, nagtago sa estero, nandyan sa kalsada. Ayan, puwede niyo kaming maasahan diyan. Pero sa ibang mga areas, na may iba namang office of primary responsibility, e sila naman ang trabaho,” the MMDA Official said.
Amid the controversial exit of the Senator from the Senate vicinity, Sen. Robin Padilla claimed that no one allegedly stopped him and Sen. Bato dela Rosa from leaving.
