PAF denies reports of aircraft linked to Senator Bato's supposed 'arrest' at Villamor Air Base
The Philippine Air Force has officially denied rumors that an aircraft was prepared at Villamor Air Base to transport Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa to the International Criminal Court. Officials confirmed that operations at the base remain normal and dismissed claims of an impending arrest.
Why it matters
The incident reflects ongoing political tensions in the Philippines regarding the ICC's investigation into the previous administration's anti-drug campaign.
Manila Bulletin - PAF denies reports of aircraft linked to Senator Bato's supposed 'arrest' at Villamor Air Base
PAF denies reports of aircraft linked to Senator Bato's supposed 'arrest' at Villamor Air Base
No confirmed report of lawmaker's capture
The Philippine Air Force denied reports that an aircraft linked to the supposed transfer of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa was at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, saying the situation there remained normal.
The clarification came after rumors spread that Dela Rosa had been arrested under an International Criminal Court warrant and would be flown to The Hague, similar to former president Rodrigo Duterte's transfer in March last year.
The PAF said only law enforcement agencies can confirm any arrest and stressed there was no verified information to support claims that aircraft activity at Villamor Air Base was related to Dela Rosa's alleged transfer.
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