Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the chamber is prepared to extend full institutional assistance to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa if reports of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant prove true.
In an interview Saturday, Sotto cited precedent, saying, “We did it during Senator Enrile’s time. During Senator Salonga’s time. We also did it during Leila [de Lima]’s time and Sonny Trillanes’ time. Why can’t we do it for Bato?”
Dela Rosa, a key figure in the Duterte administration’s drug war as former PNP chief, has not been seen publicly or at the Senate since early November amid concerns an ICC warrant for alleged extrajudicial killings could be enforced.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that a warrant exists, noting, “He’s supposed to be in Pampanga. There is an arrest warrant, but there are things that I am not allowed to say.”
He added he learned of the document through former DOJ colleagues and an ICC liaison and holds an unofficial copy on his phone. However, official channels have not corroborated the report.
The DOJ, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Department of the Interior and Local Government have all stated they have not received any communication from the ICC. The DILG also confirmed that Interpol has issued no Red Notice against the senator.