The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — The head of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association (PMAAI) called on its members to remain calm and non-partisan following events involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, also a PMA graduate. PMAAI chairman and CEO Ricardo David made the statement on Thursday after Dela Rosa called on his PMA colleagues for “peaceful support” to block his arrest based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). “I respectfully call on our members to remain united, calm, circumspect, and non-partisan amid the ongoing public discussions involving fellow Cavalier Senator Ronald dela Rosa,” David said in a statement. Dela Rosa belongs to the PMA Sinagtala Class of 1986. At least 78 members of Sinagtala Class expressed support for the senator, who showed up Monday at the Senate but slipped out after a shooting incident on Wednesday. “In this time when his name is being challenged and his actions placed under scrutiny, we do not stand silent. We stand with him,” the class said. David recognized that its members may have differing views, but he reminded them to avoid divisive rhetoric. “We recognize that among Cavaliers there may be differing views and perspectives on the matter, including those who may stand on different sides of the issue in the performance of their respective duties and convictions,” David said. “Such differences, however, should never diminish our mutual respect as brothers in the Corps.” “At this time, let us uphold the values that bind us together-honor, integrity, professionalism, and unity-while avoiding divisive rhetoric, personal attacks, and premature judgment. Our brotherhood must remain stronger than our differences. Let us continue to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the PMA ideals we have sworn to uphold,” he added. Dela Rosa has a standing arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court who identified him as a co-perpetrator of former President Rodrigo Duterte who is now detained at The Hague, awaiting trial for crimes against humanity during his war on drugs
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