MANILA – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Philippine Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, known for his role in overseeing the drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

This news was conveyed by the nation’s ombudsman, Jesus Crispin Remulla, though the ICC denied the assertion.

Duterte served as president from 2016 to 2022 and faced arrest himself in March for alleged involvement in murders committed during his administration's war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths.

Dela Rosa was a key figure in this campaign as the police chief at the time.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently verifying the information regarding Dela Rosa’s warrant, and no official confirmation has been made available yet.

The ICC spokesperson clarified that there is no arrest warrant for Dela Rosa, emphasizing that accurate news can only be found on the ICC's official communication channels.

Both Duterte and Dela Rosa have petitioned the Philippine Supreme Court to halt cooperation with the ICC.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration has not independently verified the reports of an arrest warrant for Dela Rosa.

The charges prosecutors aim to bring against Duterte include statements made by Dela Rosa as police chief, as per a document.

Dela Rosa was quoted in a Senate photo release from April stating that he had received communication from the ICC regarding extra-judicial killings, which constitute crimes against humanity.

Duterte's legal team maintains that his arrest was unlawful and has appealed the ICC's decision to continue its case against him.