Government officials on Saturday said reports claiming that the International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald dela Rosa remain unverified, as authorities await official confirmation.
Jonvic Remulla said he has yet to receive verified information regarding the supposed warrant linked to the crimes against humanity case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte before the ICC.
“None yet to my information,” Remulla said, describing the circulating reports as unconfirmed.
Earlier reports claimed the ICC had supposedly issued a warrant against dela Rosa, who was previously identified as one of Duterte’s alleged co-conspirators in the controversial anti-drug campaign now under ICC investigation.
Despite the uncertainty, Remulla said authorities are prepared to organize a task force for possible dragnet operations should an official warrant eventually be transmitted to the Philippine government.
“It takes time to mobilize,” he said.
Asked about the senator’s whereabouts, Remulla said dela Rosa was believed to be in the Davao region. The senator has largely stayed away from public appearances in recent months.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier clarified that no official ICC warrant or actionable document had been formally transmitted to Philippine authorities.
Remulla added that the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime would play a key role in verifying any ICC-related documents before government agencies take action.
Meanwhile, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the Philippine National Police would only act based on lawful orders issued by competent authorities and in accordance with due process and existing laws.
He said any police action, if necessary, would be carried out with professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to legal procedures.
Nartatez also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and instead rely on official government statements regarding the matter.
The ICC investigation centers on thousands of deaths linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign. Duterte has repeatedly questioned the court’s jurisdiction over the Philippines.