Detained former President Rodrigo Duterte sent birthday greetings to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on his 64th birthday, urging him to be “strong like a rock,” Vice President Sara Duterte said.
“Kanina nag-usap kami ni Pangulong Duterte at sinabi ko sa kanya na birthday ni Senator Bato Dela Rosa. Sabi ko, ‘Meron ka bang message kay Senator Bato Dela Rosa?’ Sabi niya, ‘Happy birthday, Senator Bato. Magpakatigas ka na parang bato,’” the Vice President said in an interview on January 22.
Dela Rosa has reportedly been in hiding amid news of a possible arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has coordinated with local authorities to track his whereabouts.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that an arrest warrant exists, although the ICC has not yet made an official announcement. Since November 11, Dela Rosa has skipped Senate sessions.
Dela Rosa served as Duterte’s first Philippine National Police chief and was a key enforcer of the former president’s war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths in alleged armed encounters and extrajudicial killings.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed hope that her father can return to Davao City once his ICC case is resolved.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks. Our gratitude will never run out because of your love for our tatay Digong. I hope his case will be over and he can return home to Davao City,” she said.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I and the Appeals Chamber are expected to issue rulings soon on requests for indefinite adjournment and an appeal on the court’s jurisdiction.
