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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) talks to Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa (R) during a press conference at the Malacanang palace in Manila on January 30, 2017.
AFP / Noel Celis
MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Saturday, May 9, he has no confirmed information on reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
“None yet to my information. As far as I am concerned, until I see the official copy, it is hearsay,” Remulla said.
He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is preparing contingency measures, including the formation of a 10,000-person task force for possible dragnet operations should a warrant be issued.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it would only act on lawful orders issued by competent authorities amid reports on possible enforcement of an ICC warrant.
"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.
"Any appropriate police action, if and when necessary, shall be undertaken with full adherence to due process, the rule of law, and respect for human rights," it added.
The police organization also said it is coordinating with the DILG and other government agencies to ensure that any action taken remains within legal and operational protocols.
It urged the public to "exercise discernment and to refrain from spreading unverified information circulating online."
Reports about a supposed ICC arrest warrant against Dela Rosa have circulated in recent months, but Philippine authorities have yet to confirm their authenticity. The Department of Justice earlier said it was verifying such information.
In February this year, the ICC listed Dela Rosa as among the alleged co-perpetrators in the case involving former president Rodrigo Duterte, in connection with alleged crimes against humanity of murder tied to the war on drugs.
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the Duterte administration, has not been attending Senate sessions since November last year.
The ICC has been investigating killings linked to anti-drug operations during the Duterte administration, which human rights groups estimate may have reached as high as 30,000, while government records place the number at over 6,000.
