Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has confirmed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the crimes against humanity case tied to the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.
Dela Rosa, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the height of the anti-drug campaign, is among those named in the case alongside former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The ICC has issued a warrant against Senator Bato dela Rosa, a warrant of arrest,” Remulla said in a radio interview.
When asked if the information was confirmed, he replied: “I think so. I would say so. I have it on good authority; someone spoke to me earlier.”
The Department of Justice (DOJ), which Remulla once headed, said it is still verifying the report.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla—Ombudsman Remulla’s brother—clarified that the Marcos administration has yet to receive any official red notice from the International Police (Interpol) regarding the alleged ICC warrant.
“As per the Center for Transnational Crimes, they have not received any red notice as of today,” the DILG chief stated.
Senator Dela Rosa had earlier dared the ICC to issue a warrant against him following the arrest of former President Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.