MANILA — The alleged arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Roland “Bato” Dela Rosa remains an allegation, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Tuesday. He made this reference when asked about the previous statement of his brother, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.
According to Sec. Remulla, “He is still alleged.” He said that no official copy of the warrant has been received by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), DILG, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Center of Transnational Crimes. Many say they have seen the warrant, but it has not yet been shown to the agencies.
Because of this, it is clear that there is no warrant of arrest for Dela Rosa at this time. The Interior chief also noted that the reporting about the warrant is only based on the claims of some people, and not on official documents from the ICC.
Dela Rosa has been absent from the Senate since last year after Ombudsman Remulla allegedly saw a digital copy of the warrant against the former PNP chief known for implementing former President Duterte's controversial drug war.
Last month, the DILG said it had begun monitoring Dela Rosa's actions, following reports that a warrant could be issued by the ICC. Despite all this, the issue remains an allegation until the official document is presented.
