MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang said Thursday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa under an International Criminal Court warrant remains in effect as authorities continue searching for the senator.
Palace press officer Claire Castro issued the statement after the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Justice denied reports that authorities had arrested Dela Rosa and were taking him to the ICC.
Police said Dela Rosa, who last appeared publicly when he left the Senate on May 14, most likely remains in the Philippines.
Castro also warned that people who spread false reports about Dela Rosa’s alleged arrest could face criminal charges.
She said Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez directed the Anti-Fake News Desk to investigate those who circulated the reports and determine whether they acted with malicious intent.
“The government will not let this pass,” Castro told reporters. “The PCO is now closely monitoring all fake news.”
