The Philippine Department of Justice said on May 13 that local law allows the government to turn over suspects to international tribunals such as the ICC. The statement came after an arrest warrant was issued for Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
The Department of Justice issued the clarification after the International Criminal Court unsealed a warrant against Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa. DOJ spokesperson Prosecutor Rafael Martinez told reporters that Republic Act No. 9851 permits authorities to surrender a person to an international court.
Martinez quoted the law directly: “Under [Republic Act No.] 9851, we may surrender a suspected or arrested person in the Philippines to the appropriate international court or tribunal. The other mode is extradition.” The National Bureau of Investigation attempted to serve the warrant on May 11 but was unsuccessful.
Dela Rosa remains inside the Senate premises. The case involves alleged crimes against humanity tied to the drug war he oversaw as former Philippine National Police chief.
