THE Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stated on Tuesday that they have “no information” regarding reports that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa had been arrested.
The clarification came amid circulating rumors earlier in the day claiming the former Philippine National Police chief had been taken into custody. Both agencies moved to set the record straight, emphasizing that they had not received any official confirmation of such an arrest taking place.
The speculation follows the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Dela Rosa. The warrant is linked to charges of crimes against humanity filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte, where both Duterte and Dela Rosa stand accused as alleged co‑conspirators.
The charges involve murder and attempted murder stemming from the thousands of killings carried out under the administration’s war on drugs, both during Duterte’s presidency and his earlier term as Mayor of Davao City.
During a press briefing, DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the department could neither confirm nor deny the reports at this time. “We cannot confirm that information, at least not yet. We have not received word that it actually happened,” he remarked. Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla echoed the same position, instructing authorities to inform the media that the Philippine National Police likewise has no information to substantiate the arrest claims. The situation remains under close watch as the government awaits further details.
metrosundaily
