Bato: PNP to cooperate with ICC probe but will not disclose tactical info

INQUIRER.net/Jhoanna Ballaran

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City—The Philippine National Police (PNP) would fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) preliminary examination on alleged crimes against humanity committed by the government in its war against illegal drugs, said PNP chief Dir. General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Saturday.

However, Dela Rosa stressed that the ongoing drive against illegal drugs will not be compromised.

Speaking for the first time since the ICC announced the launch of its preliminary examination, Dela Rosa said that although the PNP would be transparent in its dealings with the international tribunal, it would not be revealing tactical information that may jeopardize the safety of its personnel.

“[We will be] transparent but not to the extent that we will fall into the trap. Kasi tingnan mo, ibigay ko sa inyo lahat ng pangalan ng PO1 (Police Officer 1) na kasama sa operations, nadedelikado ang buhay nila, mga pamilya nila…mga drug lords marami yan,” (If I would give you the names of all the PO1s who are involved in the operations, their lives and the lives of their families will be in danger. There are a lot of drug lords out there.)

Dela Rosa told reporters at the sidelines of the annual Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming here.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor announced last week the start of the preliminary examination which aims to determine if the tribunal has jurisdiction on the committed alleged crimes against humanity.

It will determine if there is a “reasonable basis” to proceed with an investigation in accordance with the criteria set by the Rome Statute which created the ICC. The ICC has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

READ: ICC to launch ‘preliminary examination’ on PH ‘war on drugs’

Dela Rosa welcomed the ICC’s preliminary examination, saying that the PNP has nothing to hide.

“As I have said, magconduct sila ng investigation, malaman nila ang totoo. wala kaming tinatago,” (They can conduct the investigation and they will find the truth, we have nothing to hide) Dela Rosa said.

“Buksan ko yung dibdib ko, yung puso namin, wala kaming tinatago,” (We will open our hearts to show that we have nothing to hide) he added.

Asked if the PNP would be ready to provide the ICC data on the government’s anti-drug campaign, Dela Rosa said the PNP will “follow the process.”

“Sundin natin ang proseso, hindi ako makakapagbigay sa inyo ng categorical na sagot na yan” (Let us follow the process, I cannot give you a categorical answer on that.), he said.

“Mahirap na magcomment na magcomment, yun pala pinapasok na kami sa lungga nitong anti-Duterte forces yun naman talaga ang kanilang purpose to bring down the Duterte administration,” (It’s hard to comment, one thing you’ll know we’re being infiltrated by these anti-Duterte forces). “Hindi naman kami ganun ka-tanga rin na papasok sa kanilang bitag,” (We are not that stupid to fall into their trap) he added.   /muf