MANILA, Philippines —The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday defended its actions regarding Senator Ronald dela Rosa, saying government agencies acted within the bounds of the law and did not refuse to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a statement, the DILG said its position was anchored on Section 17 of Republic Act 9851, which provides that when the ICC issues a warrant involving alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines, the government may either surrender the accused to the ICC or prosecute the case before Philippine courts.
The department noted that an ICC warrant had been issued against Dela Rosa, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to wait for the Supreme Court’s ruling on whether the ICC warrant could be enforced without a corresponding order from a Philippine court.
The DILG also cited the statement of Justice acting Secretary Fredderick Vida, who said there was “no order for manhunt” against Dela Rosa and that any enforcement action remained “conditional” because of pending proceedings before the Supreme Court and the Senate’s move to place the senator under protective custody.
“As supervising department of the PNP, the DILG remains duty-bound to operate strictly within the bounds of the Constitution, existing laws, and lawful orders issued by competent authorities,” the department said.
The DILG added that its actions should not be viewed as inaction, but as adherence to constitutional order, due process, and the rule of law.
“The Department remains fully committed to enforcing the law firmly, professionally, and always within the framework of due process and democratic institutions,” it said.
