MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Saturday denied issuing any arrest order connected to its investigation into the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign, amid circulating reports that Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa had become the subject of a warrant and that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) had been informed.
ICC spokesman Oriane Maillet said the court could not verify the claims being circulated that cited unnamed sources.
“No public arrest warrants have been issued in relation to the situation in the Philippines,” Maillet said in a message to reporters.
The clarification came after reports surfaced alleging that the ICC had approved a warrant against Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief who oversaw the early implementation of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
Maillet, however, declined to address questions on whether prosecutors had sought a warrant against the senator or whether any sealed or confidential proceedings were underway.
“We cannot speculate on these matters or on any confidential information,” she said.
Under ICC procedures, arrest warrants may remain sealed and undisclosed if judges determine that confidentiality is necessary to protect investigations, witnesses, or the arrest process itself.
Dela Rosa has repeatedly acknowledged that he could eventually face scrutiny before the ICC over his role in the anti-drug campaign, but has maintained that he was prepared to answer the allegations at the proper forum.
The ICC investigation covers alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of deaths during anti-drug operations conducted under Duterte’s administration.
