DILG to arrest Dela Rosa if ICC issues warrant

Philippine authorities, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), will arrest Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa if a validated arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is issued.

Dela Rosa's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, expressed alarm at Secretary Jonvic Remulla's statement, viewing it as a potential execution of foreign process within the Philippines without judicial authority.

Torreon stated that Remulla's pronouncement, combined with the Ombudsman's earlier claim of receiving an unofficial ICC warrant for Dela Rosa, presents a "real and credible threat to Senator dela Rosa's liberty."

This development follows the Supreme Court's denial of Dela Rosa and former President Rodrigo Duterte's petition to compel the Ombudsman to produce the alleged ICC arrest warrant.

The Ombudsman had previously mentioned receiving an unofficial copy of the warrant, which pertains to Dela Rosa's supposed role in the previous administration's war on drugs.

The DOJ had previously affirmed that the Philippine government would implement any ICC arrest warrant, with options for extradition or surrender.

Dela Rosa, former PNP chief, was identified as the "architect" of the war on drugs.