The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa over his role in the Duterte administration's war on drugs. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced the development in a radio interview, though the Department of Justice is still verifying the information. No official confirmation has come from the ICC or Malacañang.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed in a dzRH radio interview that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration's deadly war on drugs. “I have it on good authority... that the ICC has issued a warrant against Sen. Bato dela Rosa – a warrant of arrest,” Remulla said. He added that the information came from someone who spoke to him earlier, but he has not responded to queries about the issuance date or his source.
The announcement comes eight months after a similar warrant was served to former president Rodrigo Duterte on March 11. However, no confirmation has emerged from the ICC, which does not always disclose such warrants publicly; Duterte's redacted warrant was released only after his surrender. Malacañang spokesperson Claire Castro stated, “No confirmation.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) is verifying the report, with spokesman Polo Martinez noting, “We have also not yet seen or received a copy of said arrest warrant.” The Department of Foreign Affairs has received no communication from the ICC.
Dela Rosa's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, urged caution: “We therefore urge the public and the media to exercise caution and restraint... until verified information is officially released.” If confirmed, Torreon said the government must follow due process under the Constitution. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained that extradition now requires Supreme Court approval under new rules issued on October 27, unlike Duterte's case. Remulla noted the ICC would need to file an extradition request through the DOJ.
Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police chief during the drug war and Davao City police head under Mayor Duterte, was last seen in Cebu visiting typhoon-hit areas. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said no Interpol red notice means no arrest basis yet. Senate President Vicente Sotto III assured no arrest on Senate premises, while Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized due process. ICC lawyer Kristina Conti called for enforcement despite the Philippines' Rome Statute withdrawal, citing a recent ICC jurisdiction ruling. The Makabayan bloc welcomed the news.