Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that details concerning the transfer of custody for Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa will remain undisclosed once he is apprehended. This announcement comes amidst the ongoing legal proceedings against Dela Rosa, who faces charges related to crimes against humanity.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez explained that the procedures associated with Dela Rosa's custody transfer are operational matters that cannot be publicly shared. The intention is to ensure the primary objective of bringing him to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face justice is not compromised.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have previously indicated that Dela Rosa, a former chief of the PNP under ex-president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, will be taken to the DOJ upon his arrest. Dela Rosa's alleged involvement as a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity during Duterte's controversial anti-drug campaign has led to the ICC issuing an arrest warrant against him.

Despite this, Dela Rosa's legal team argues that the ICC's arrest warrant, issued in November of the previous year, should be reviewed by a local court before any implementation. In a recent development, the Supreme Court denied Dela Rosa's request for a temporary restraining order to halt the execution of the ICC's arrest warrant.