DOJ, DILG yet to receive ICC arrest warrant vs Bato dela Rosa

The Department of Justice and Department of the Interior and Local Government have yet to receive any arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

“No we haven't,” Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon told GMA News Online Monday.

"We have no official document to work on," Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a separate message when asked if the DILG had received instructions related to the implementation of the arrest warrant.

This, as former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque claimed over the weekend that the ICC arrest warrant against dela Rosa is already out.

"Sen Bato, your warrant of arrest is out! Hwag ka pa- kidnap! Insist that you have the right to be brought before a Philippine Court first!" he said in a social media post.

Fadullon said that Roque’s statements have yet to be verified.

“The task of monitoring the movement or whereabouts of Sen. Dela Rosa is a task of our law enforcement and Intelligence operatives, not the DOJ,” the Prosecutor General said.

“Upon what information Harry Roque bases his claims is beyond us and requires validation,” he added.

Remulla, for his part, said: "Maybe Harry [Roque] knows more than I do. I will only confirm when I see the actual document."

The embattled senator has not attended any session at the Senate since November 11.

Dela Rosa's absence at the Senate started after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the ICC has issued a warrant of arrest against him over the Duterte administration's war on drugs.

Dela Rosa was the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and main implementer of the campaign against illegal drugs during the previous administration.

Duterte is currently detained at The Hague in the Netherlands on charges of crimes against humanity following his arrest through a warrant also issued by the ICC.—AOL, GMA Integrated News