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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) shakes hands with Philippine National Police (PNP) director General Ronal Dela Rosa during the 115th Police Service Anniversary at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Manila on August 17, 2016.
AFP / Noel Celis
MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) said there are no publicly released arrest warrants connected to developments in the Philippines amid speculation about an alleged case involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
“No public arrest warrants have been issued in relation to the situation in the Philippines," a spokesperson of the ICC told reporters on Saturday, May 9.
The clarification comes amid circulating reports claiming that an arrest warrant had been issued against Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the Duterte administration.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said that there is no confirmed information on the alleged warrant.
“None yet to my information. As far as I am concerned, until I see the official copy, it is hearsay,” Remulla said.
He added that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is preparing contingency measures, including a 10,000-person task force that could be activated for possible dragnet operations should a warrant be formally issued.
The DILG said the plan is part of preparedness efforts and does not indicate any confirmed enforcement action.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it will only act on lawful orders issued by competent authorities.
"The PNP emphasizes that it acts only upon lawful orders issued by competent authorities and in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures," the PNP said in a statement.
It added that any police action, if necessary, will be carried out with full respect for due process, the rule of law and human rights.
"The PNP also continues to coordinate closely with the DILG and other concerned government agencies to ensure that all actions remain consistent with established legal and operational protocols," the agency said.
Authorities also urged the public to exercise discernment and refrain from spreading unverified information.
The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which drew international scrutiny over thousands of deaths recorded in police operations and vigilante killings.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte led the government during the anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief during Duterte’s term and is now a senator, has not been attending Senate sessions since November last year. He was earlier named in connection with the ICC probe into alleged co-perpetrators in the drug war case.
Government data places drug-related deaths during the campaign at over 6,000, while human rights groups estimate the figure could be as high as 30,000.
