The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has welcomed the issuance of an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, officially treating him as a suspect in the ongoing crimes against humanity case.
OTP Statement on the Warrant
In a statement, the OTP described the warrant as a significant step in the pursuit of accountability for alleged crimes committed under the Philippines' war on drugs campaign. The office affirmed its commitment to continue coordinating closely with the Registry and all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the service of the warrant.
The prosecutor disclosed that the secret arrest warrant was issued on November 6, 2025, three days after the request was filed. Philippine authorities were informed of the warrant after its issuance.
Reclassification to Public
Earlier this week, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ordered the reclassification of the warrant from confidential to public. This move marks a transition in the legal proceedings against Dela Rosa.
Background of the Case
Dela Rosa was previously identified as a co-perpetrator alongside former President Rodrigo Duterte in alleged crimes against humanity. According to the OTP, the evidence presented demonstrated reasonable grounds to believe that Dela Rosa, as former Davao City Police Director and later Philippine National Police Chief, bore responsibility for killings during the Duterte administration's drug war.
The OTP emphasized that the warrant is a crucial development in the ongoing effort to ensure justice for victims of the campaign.
