Metro Manila, Philippines – Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa called for “peaceful support” from his alma mater – the Philippine Military Academy – against his possible arrest and to stand against the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Facing the media from the Senate – which has given him protective custody – on Wednesday, May 13, Dela Rosa sang the PMA hymn in a bid to seek sympathy from the PMA alumni as he faces an arrest warrant as chief implementer of the bloody drug war when he was national police chief.

“Ang apila ko sa aking mga ka-baro sa (My appeal to colleagues from the) PMA, remember our song,” he said, singing the line “When bells for us are rung and our last taps are sung, let generations see our country free.”

“I am not appealing for violent support. I am appealing for peaceful support,” the lawmaker said.

Dela Rosa said he is calling on fellow soldiers and police officers as well, adding that they are all “in the same boat” as they could also be arrested anytime.

He also pleaded with the government to see him as “a Filipino who is asking for support” and right to due process.

The Philippine National Police officially acknowledged 6,252 deaths in anti-drug operations between July 1, 2016, and May 31, 2022. Human Rights Groups and organizations, including those reporting to the ICC, estimate the actual death toll could be as high as 12,000 to 30,000.

The former PNP chief is now under Senate protective custody after the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to serve him his warrant on May 11. He will stay in the Senate until June 5, the last day before adjournment of session.

Dela Rosa said he has no plans yet on what will happen next. Senate tradition states he cannot be arrested while the chamber is in session.