Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Tuesday confirmed he has received a copy of the “unofficial” International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, linked to alleged crimes against humanity during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
“Confirmed, nasa telepono ko yung warrant [of arrest] pero di ‘yan official copy. Dadaan ‘yan sa proper channels para ma-implement ‘yan,” Remulla told reporters.
He said he disclosed the information over the weekend on his radio program as part of his journalistic duties: “I did that as a function of me being a journalist also for Saturday kasi na-scoop ko ‘yon. Kung tatanungin niyo ako, meron [warrant of arrest],” he added.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that the Philippine government has not yet received any Interpol request to arrest dela Rosa, but noted that once an arrest warrant is issued, the Supreme Court will be given courtesy to address any petitions challenging it.