OSG to file comment on Bato dela Rosa's plea vs. ICC arrest warrant

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on Thursday said it will file its comment on Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s appeal with the Supreme Court (SC) against the implementation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him.

In a statement, the OSG said it will file its comment on behalf of the respondent government officials on or before May 16.

On Monday, Dela Rosa filed a manifestation for immediate judicial protection and sought guidance on the legal effect of the arrest warrant.

He also reiterated his appeal for a temporary restraining order (TRO) or writ of preliminary injunction prohibiting the arrest or transfer of Dela Rosa to any foreign tribunal without prior judicial authorization.

The High Court gave the respondent officials 72 hours to comment on the manifestation and Dela Rosa another 72 hours to file his reply from receipt of the respondents’ comment. Though it did not issue a TRO, the SC said it may issue a TRO at a later date.

Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity of murder.

The ICC warrant of arrest mentioned Dela Rosa’s “alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator” in the crimes against humanity of murder from July 3, 2016, until the end of April 2018, wherein at least 32 persons died.

He was previously under protective custody of the Senate. A senator earlier confirmed that Dela Rosa left the Senate premises around 2:30 a.m. — RSJ, GMA News