On Monday, May 18, members of Akbayan Youth distributed wanted posters for Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa along Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City, labeling him an international fugitive and accused mass murderer. This action follows the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
Poster Details and Public Appeal
The posters read 'WANTED for crimes against humanity, Bato Dela Rosa surrender to the ICC now!' Another poster included contact numbers for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the ICC, urging the public to report any sightings of Dela Rosa. In a statement, Akbayan Youth National Vice Chairperson Claire Lopez criticized Dela Rosa's attempts to evade justice, emphasizing that thousands of families victimized by extrajudicial killings (EJKs) are still awaiting justice.
Call for People's Manhunt
The group encouraged the public to join what they described as a 'people's manhunt' for Dela Rosa, aiming to ensure he faces international justice mechanisms. 'This is not just a fight for the victims of EJK but a fight for the Filipino people for truth and accountability. We call on the public to join the people's manhunt against Bato Dela Rosa. Let us not let him disappear behind power and influence. Bato, surrender now! The people are prosecuting you. Face justice,' said Lopez.
Context and Broader Demands
According to Akbayan Youth, the activity followed last week's chaos in the Senate, where Dela Rosa appeared after months of hiding to join a leadership coup. He was reportedly sheltered and protected by the Senate after authorities attempted to serve the arrest warrant against him, and he escaped amid the commotion caused by gunfire inside the Senate. The group also reiterated its call for the Senate to begin the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, who has been impeached twice.
