Ombudsman Remulla confirms ICC arrest order vs Sen Bato Dela Rosa
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Saturday, Nov. 8, that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa for the latter’s alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the illegal drugs war of the past administration.
Dela Rosa was the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the time of then president Rodrigo Duterte who is now detained at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands on alleged crimes against humanity.
Remulla disclosed Bato’s ICC arrest during the "Executive Session" program of DZRH.
He said that while it is no longer part of his function since he is no longer secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), he explained that he was kept abreast of the warrant against Dela Rosa.
"I have it on good authority, kasi public interest 'to (because it is of public interest), that the ICC has issued a warrant [of arrest] against Senator Bato Dela Rosa," he said.
When asked if the ICC arrest order is confirmed, Remulla answered: "I think so, I would say so."
Remulla said that the Supreme Court (SC) released last Oct. 1 the new rules on extradition, which the DOJ will now have to follow.
"They will have to file it with the DOJ through the Office of the Chief State Counsel. Sila ang mag-uusap (They will be the ones to talk), then the Solicitor General will be called to represent the government," he explained.
While the Philippines no longer has a treaty with the ICC, “we respect the ICC as a legitimate foreign court,” he said.
DOJ Spokesperson Polo Martinez said: “As of this hour, we are currently working to verify this information (Dela Rosa’s ICC arrest). We have not yet seen or received a copy of said arrest warrant. We shall provide further details as soon as it becomes available.”