Metro Manila, Philippines – Chief drug war implementer Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he has “no regrets” over how the campaign was carried out, while refusing to comply with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigating the controversial policy.
“No, why will I regret?” Dela Rosa told the media on Wednesday, May 13, when asked about his sentiments.
“Nagsisisi ata ako kung bakit ako nagpaka-loyal sa aking serbisyo kung marami naman diyang mga police na nagretire na pa-easy easy lang,” he added.
[Translation: I regret why I was loyal to my service when there are many police officers who have an easy retirement.]
The senator also said he does not regret enforcing the campaign as some Filipinos thanked him for making the streets safer.
Dela Rosa was Philippine National Police chief at the height of the drug war where suspects were killed with impunity. An infamous case was that of Kian delos Santos, a minor shot dead for allegedly selling drugs and defending himself against officers who later on were convicted for muder.
Dela Rosa admitted to lapses during the implementation.
“Sayang sana but no war is perfect. Hindi mo mapeperkepto yung war. Merong mangyayaring hindi talaga maganda,” he said.
[Translation: It’s a shame but no war is perfect. You can’t perfect the war. Something bad is bound to happen.]
Approaching Marcos
Dela Rosa said he is open to approaching President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for help amid his situation with the ICC.
“Regardless of our political affiliation…still the fact remains that ako ay Pilipino,” he said. “Kanino ako hihingi ng tulong? Sa gobyerno ng China? [Where will I ask for help? From the government of China?)”
“Kung makita ko diyan si President Marcos palakad-lakad kalabitin ko siya: ‘Sir baka pwedeng ‘wag mo ko dalhin sa ICC,’” he added.
[Translation: If I see President Marcos walking around, I will tap him: ‘Sir, maybe you can’t take me to the ICC.’]
The senator said he has not reached out to the Palace officially.
Dela Rosa thanked Malacanang for earlier saying that he would be afforded the rights of the accused if arrested, but said a better assurance would be that he would not be turned over to the ICC.
He maintained he is willing to face charges in local courts and even be hanged, although there is no death penalty in the country.
