The camp of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said they are now operating under the assumption that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued a warrant of arrest against him, citing precautionary measures amid multiple circulating reports.
Israelito Torreon, the senator’s lawyer, declined to confirm the existence of the warrant during a phone interview on Tuesday, December 9, but acknowledged that he received information similar to claims made by former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
“Meron din akong nakuhang ganyan, similar information… Pero wala pa kasi akong clear evidence,” Torreon said, noting that the issue remains uncertain while the ICC’s jurisdiction is still under review.
“I don’t think the ICC will issue a warrant if jurisdiction is still under question.”
He added that despite the lack of definitive proof, the public declaration of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and other reports have prompted them to err on the side of caution.
“We are operating on the side of caution na meron na nga talaga,” he said.
Dela Rosa has been absent from Senate sessions for a month following Remulla’s remarks regarding the alleged warrant. Torreon said the senator wants clear guidelines on what procedures will apply should the ICC formally order his arrest.
Dela Rosa previously filed a petition before the Supreme Court — around the time former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and transferred to ICC custody in March — seeking guidance on the matter. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague over alleged extrajudicial killings, raising speculation that Dela Rosa, his former PNP chief, may be next.
“Yung issue kasi dito yung personal safety na niya and he wants to be clarified as to what are the procedures to be undertaken if the government will really implement the surrender,” Torreon explained.
The lawyer said he last spoke with the senator in early November and is now communicating primarily with his family, believing Dela Rosa remains in the country.
He added the senator would “presumably” surrender should the government clarify the process and assure protection of his rights.