CCTV footage shown during the Senate plenary on Monday captured Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa rushing up a staircase while several individuals appeared to be following behind him.
The footage surfaced as Dela Rosa made a rare appearance at the Senate after months away from the public eye.
Dela Rosa later claimed that agents from the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to block him from entering the Senate premises.
The senator resurfaced amid renewed speculation that the International Criminal Court may issue an arrest warrant against him in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Earlier, Senator Robin Padilla revealed that he had advised Dela Rosa to avoid public appearances following reports of a possible ICC arrest order.
The Philippine National Police earlier clarified that any action involving Dela Rosa would only be carried out upon lawful orders and in accordance with due process.
“The PNP emphasizes that it acts only upon lawful orders issued by competent authorities and in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said in an earlier statement.
The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of deaths during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the anti-drug campaign, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
As of posting time, no official confirmation has been released regarding an ICC arrest warrant against the senator.
