Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Facebook post that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. Roque linked the reported warrant to the former PNP chief’s role in the anti-illegal drug campaign under then President Rodrigo Duterte.
Roque warned supporters not to let Dela Rosa be taken forcefully and insisted that the senator must first be brought before a Philippine court before any possible turnover to the ICC. He did not name his source.
As of this writing, no official confirmation has been released by the Department of Justice, the Department of Foreign Affairs, or the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The agencies have not issued statements verifying the reported ICC action.
The matter resurfaced earlier when Ombudsman Boying Remulla, during a radio interview, said there was indeed a warrant against Dela Rosa. Remulla said the information came from a former colleague at the DOJ and an ICC liaison. He did not present documents or evidence to the public to support the claim.
The reports have stirred discussion online, as Dela Rosa has been one of the most prominent figures linked to the drug war. The ICC continues to examine alleged abuses connected to the campaign, which saw thousands of deaths during Duterte’s term.
As of today, the public awaits official confirmation from the Philippine government while the statements from Roque and Remulla remain unverified.
