NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Remulla Says He Has 'Unofficial' Copy Of ICC Warrant Against Bato Dela Rosa
Photo courtesy from PTV
MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, that he has an “unofficial copy” of what he believes to be an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant allegedly issued against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Speaking to reporters, Remulla said the document is saved on his cellphone but clarified that it is not an official copy and has yet to undergo proper verification.
“I have a copy! Pero hindi siya official copy. Basta alam ko meron,” Remulla told reporters.
He added that he supposedly obtained the copy ahead of the Department of Justice (DOJ) but did not elaborate on how or when he received it.
However, both the DOJ and the ICC have not confirmed the existence of any arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. The DOJ stated that it has not received any official document from the ICC, while the international court itself said it “cannot confirm” the issuance of such a warrant at this time.
The claim has since stirred political and public attention, especially as Dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief, is among those under ICC investigation for alleged crimes related to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Legal experts have noted that even if an ICC warrant exists, its enforcement would be legally complex, as the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019. Cooperation between the ICC and Philippine authorities would require formal procedures and diplomatic coordination.
As of now, no official warrant has been released or acknowledged by either the ICC or the Philippine government, making Remulla’s claim unverified pending confirmation from official sources.
Speaking to reporters, Remulla said the document is saved on his cellphone but clarified that it is not an official copy and has yet to undergo proper verification.
“I have a copy! Pero hindi siya official copy. Basta alam ko meron,” Remulla told reporters.
He added that he supposedly obtained the copy ahead of the Department of Justice (DOJ) but did not elaborate on how or when he received it.
However, both the DOJ and the ICC have not confirmed the existence of any arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. The DOJ stated that it has not received any official document from the ICC, while the international court itself said it “cannot confirm” the issuance of such a warrant at this time.
The claim has since stirred political and public attention, especially as Dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief, is among those under ICC investigation for alleged crimes related to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Legal experts have noted that even if an ICC warrant exists, its enforcement would be legally complex, as the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019. Cooperation between the ICC and Philippine authorities would require formal procedures and diplomatic coordination.
As of now, no official warrant has been released or acknowledged by either the ICC or the Philippine government, making Remulla’s claim unverified pending confirmation from official sources.
Nov 11, 2025
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