By: Kathlean Pallorina
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) talks to Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa (R) during a press conference at the Malacanang palace in Manila on January 30, 2017. Photo Courtesy of Philstar Global
The International Criminal Court (ICC) reportedly issued a warrant of arrest for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, Ombudsman Samuel Remulla announced on Saturday, Nov. 8.
In response, the Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that it is working to verify the information. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed that as of this weekend, the department has not yet seen or received a copy of said arrest warrant.
“We shall provide further details as soon as it becomes available,” Martinez added.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) addressed the international enforcement status of the alleged warrant. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that there is currently no Interpol red notice for Senator dela Rosa.
An Interpol red notice functions as a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual, pending further legal action like extradition.
The DILG, which oversees the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, serves as the country’s coordination point with Interpol.
Senator dela Rosa has also previously stated on multiple occasions that he will not cooperate with the ICC's probe.
The ICC prosecutor's investigation focuses on alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, specifically in relation to the anti-drug campaign of the previous administration under Former-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.