Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Saturday that arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) may be transmitted directly to law enforcement agencies. This statement follows inquiries about the rumored ICC arrest warrant for Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in The Hague have not received any arrest warrant or related documents from the ICC, nor has any such document appeared on the ICC’s online portal. DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona emphasized the possibility under the Rome Statute for arrest warrants, if issued, to be sent directly to relevant countries’ law enforcement agencies.

Although the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute on March 17, 2019, it maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, when it was a state party. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla mentioned in a dzRH interview that an ICC arrest warrant had been issued for Dela Rosa.

Senator Dela Rosa’s legal counsel, Israelito Torreon, expressed uncertainty about the information’s accuracy, as no independent confirmation had been received. Senate President Vicente Sotto III highlighted the protocol that no senator could be arrested within the Senate premises, citing institutional dignity and courtesy.

Malaca±ang indicated it had yet to receive official confirmation regarding the ICC warrant for Dela Rosa, who led the Philippine National Police during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin noted that while the ICC might have issued a warrant, it may not have yet been transmitted via the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for enforcement.