Senator Roland ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa presides a hearing called by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on September 5, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

MANILA (UPDATE) — Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Thursday said he would seek refuge from the Senate for as long as it can protect him from the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid speculations that an arrest warrant against him was looming.

Bato ready to join Duterte at The Hague 'if all legal options fail'

"Kung lalabas yung warrant of arrest ko at ako'y papahuli talaga ng ating gobyerno, I will avail of the protection that is going to be afforded to me by the Senate as an institution," Dela Rosa told ANC.

"Pag sabihin nilang hindi na kaya, you have to surrender yourself then I will turn in myself peacefully," he added.

Dela Rosa claimed Senate President Francis Escudero promised to "protect" him for as long as the Senate is allowed to.

Bato to seek SC relief if ICC wants him arrested over drug war

"[He said] wag ka mag-aalala I will do everything I can as your Senate President, I can give you the protection hanggang kaya nya," he said.

Dela Rosa admitted he was "sad" after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and sent to The Hague to face crimes against humanity charges before the ICC over his war on drugs.

"I am sad for what is happening right now," the senator said.

BATO SEEN IN DAVAO

Earlier in the day, Dela Rosa made his first public appearance in Davao City days after being allegedly incommunicado following Duterte's arrest.

Dela Rosa has not been seen publicly since Tuesday, when Philippine authorities arrested Duterte and handed him to the Interpol executing the arrest warrant issued by the ICC. He was flown to The Netherlands the same day.

Dela Rosa: There's no 'Bato' without 'Digong'

The senator, who is also being investigated by the ICC for his role in Duterte's dug war, addressed Duterte supporters in Davao City.

In the ANC interview, Dela Rosa also refuted social media posts that claimed he was already in hiding.

"I can hide, I can run. I can tell you 100 percent hindi nila ako mahuhuli, napakalaki ng Pilipinas kapag ako'y gustong magtago... But ayaw kong ma-haraass ang aking pamilya," he said.

Dela Rosa earlier said he was willing to be with Duterte in The Hague if all his legal options to avoid it fail.

He also blamed "greed for power" for the government's decision to allow Duterte's prosecution at the ICC. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, asked Tuesday what he would say to Duterte supporters, said the government was "just doing its job." —With reports from Hernel Tocmo

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