ICC orders arrest of Sen. Dela Rosa

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Saturday, Nov. 8, that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa for the latter's alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the illegal drugs war of the past administration.

- By CZARINA NICOLE ONG KI

Dela Rosa was the chief implementer of former president Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs as head of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The former who is now detained at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands on alleged crimes against humanity.

Remulla disclosed Bato's ICC arrest during the "Executive Session" program of DZRH.

He said that while it is no longer part of his function since he is no longer secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), he explained that he was kept abreast of the warrant against Dela Rosa.

"I have it on good authority, because it is of public interest, that the ICC has issued a warrant [of arrest] against Senator Bato Dela Rosa," he said.

When asked if the ICC arrest order is confirmed, Remulla answered: "I think so, I would say so."

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said: "As of this hour, we are currently working to verify this information [Dela Rosa's ICC arrest]. We have not yet seen or received a copy of said arrest warrant. We shall provide further details as soon as it becomes available."

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said Malacañang is yet to confirm whether the ICC has indeed issued a warrant for the arrest against Sen. Dela Rosa in relation to the deaths linked to the bloody drug war of the previous administration.

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