Statement of Ombudsman Remulla on Supposed Arrest Warrant vs. Sen. Bato dela Rosa Issued by ICC
Ombudsman Boying Remulla claimed that he has an unofficial copy of the supposed arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Bato dela Rosa.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa who was the first chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the tenure of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte has always claimed that he is allegedly the next person that the ICC wants to investigate. A certain “Dela Rosa” was reportedly mentioned in the case against the former President.
Last Saturday, November 8, Ombudsman Remulla claimed that the ICC has allegedly issued an arrest warrant against Sen. Bato dela Rosa. According to him, the information was relayed by the acting Secretary of Justice.
As of this writing, neither the ICC nor the Department of Justice has confirmed the release of an arrest warrant against the Senator. Dela Rosa’s camp also said they have yet to confirm it through an independent verification.
According to Atty. Israelito Torreon, the lawyer of Sen. Bato dela Rosa, if there is an arrest warrant against the Senator from the ICC, they hope that the Philippine government will uphold the law and exercise due process. They refused to issue further statements without the confirmation of an arrest warrant’s release.
Recently, Ombudsman Remulla spoke anew on the reported ICC arrest warrant against Sen. Bato dela Rosa. Based on a report on GMA News, he acknowledged his claim as a journalist and said he allegedly saw the copy of the ICC arrest warrant against the Senator.
“I said that as a journalist on my Saturday program. Nai-scoop ko ‘yon, nakita ko,” Remulla said.
Based on the report, Ombudsman Boying Remulla further claimed that he allegedly has a supposed copy of the ICC arrest warrant against Sen. Bato dela Rosa in his phone. According to him, it is not an unofficial copy but he knows that there is.
“Kung tatanungin niyo ako kung meron, meron. Sa telepono ko. I have a copy. Pero hindi siya official copy. Basta alam ko, meron,” the country’s chief graft-buster said.
Previously, Sen. Bato dela Rosa claimed that he will seek the protection that the Senate could afford him in case the ICC issues an arrest warrant against him. According to Senate Pres. Tito Sotto, no senator will be arrested inside the premises of the upper chamber but outside, it is no longer their concern.
Recently, the DOJ confirmed that surrendering Sen. Bato dela Rosa to the ICC in case it has issued an arrest warrant is faster that extradition.