THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla. The Department of Justice (DOJ), however, stated that it is currently verifying this information.
“I have it in good authority because this is of public interest. The ICC has issued a warrant against Senator Bato Dela Rosa, a warrant of arrest,” Remulla said in an interview. He added that the information was relayed by officer-in-charge Secretary of Justice Eric Vida.
DOJ spokesperson Atty. Raphael Niccolo “Polo” Martinez told GMA News Online, “As of this hour, we are currently working to verify this information. We have also not yet seen or received a copy of said arrest warrant. We shall provide further details as soon as it becomes available.” Malacañang stated that it has not yet received confirmation about the matter, with Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro citing the administration’s focus on Typhoon Uwan.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla reported that the Center for Transnational Crime has not received a red notice from the ICC. GMA News Online has reached out to Dela Rosa’s office for comment but has yet to receive a response. Dela Rosa was the chief of the Philippine National Police during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs. Duterte is currently detained at the Hague Penitentiary Institution on charges of crimes against humanity. The ICC Prosecutor has charged Duterte with 49 incidents of murder and attempted murder. Government records indicate that around 6,200 drug suspects were killed during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug operations, while human rights organizations estimate the number may reach 30,000.
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