Senator Ronald dela Rosa (ICC, MB File Photos)
The International Criminal Court said on Monday, Nov. 10, that it cannot confirm reports that it has issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
“No the ICC can’t confirm such news,” ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said in a statement sent to members of the Philippine media.
He explained that “ICC news can be found only on ICC official communications channels and press releases,” noting that “only one case to date has been opened” involving former president Rodrigo Duterte.
As of posting time, ICC’s public docket and press office have not released any new filings or announcements on its website and social media pages regarding additional charges or warrants related to the Philippine situation.
The spokesperson made the statement after the ICC was asked to confirm if there is indeed a warrant of arrest against Dela Rosa.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, in a radio interview, broke the news that the ICC had already an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa in connection with the war against illegal drugs under the previous Duterte administration.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the same day, ICC arrest warrants may be sent directly to Philippine law enforcement agencies.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in The Hague have not received any warrant of arrest or related documents from the ICC, nor has any such document been uploaded in the ICC online portal,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said.
“We note that under the Rome Statute, arrest warrants, if any, can be transmitted directly to law enforcement agencies of relevant countries,” she added.
The senator served as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief from 2016 to 2018 during the launch of Duterte’s controversial drug war, which had been widely criticized for alleged extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations.
Duterte, who was last seen by the public via teleconference on March 14, was supposed to attend the confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23 but this was postponed by the pre-trial chamber after his defense team claimed he was unfit to stand trial.