Bato to cooperate with DOJ in crimes against humanity probe

Considered the architect of the war on drugs, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa vowed to cooperate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its probe of possible crimes against humanity committed under Rodrigo Duterte.

- By CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Dela Rosa said he respects the jurisdiction of the DOJ, which has formed a task force to look into possible violations of Republic Act 9851 or the 2009 "Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity."

"I will cooperate (with the DOJ investigation). I respect their jurisdiction over our territory," Dela Rosa said in an interview yesterday for The STAR's "Truth on the Line."

The DOJ is investigating the alleged extrajudicial killings committed in the bloody crackdown on illegal drugs waged by Duterte.

Dela Rosa maintained his position not to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which he said has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.

"I respect the DOJ jurisdiction but not ICC. They do not have jurisdiction over us. If DOJ, I respect their jurisdiction," he said.

Dela Rosa lamented that the

present government has a problem in addressing illegal drugs with drug lords and pushers again acting like toughies in the community.

He said the illegal drug problem is back, with shabu now being sold like candies.

The senator, who was the first chief of the Philippine National Police of Duterte, said the information came from local government leaders like governors, mayors, councilors and barangay captains.