WATCH: Palace urges Bato dela Rosa to surrender, avoid bloodshed

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday, October 21, urged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender and face the cases against him, saying this would help prevent bloodshed.

During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said it would be better for Dela Rosa to surrender rather than risk a violent confrontation.

Castro also warned those allegedly sheltering the senator against helping him evade authorities.

Her appeal came after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned on Monday, October 19, that any attempt to arrest Dela Rosa could result in heavy casualties among police personnel.

Dela Rosa has been in hiding since leaving the Senate in May, when authorities sought to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). — Martin Ramos