The International Criminal Court (ICC) maintains confidentiality regarding the issuance of arrest warrants, a rule that may apply to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, according to an ICC lawyer.
Kristina Conti, assistant to counsel at the ICC, explained on Oct. 20, that arrest warrants can remain confidential until the concerned individual is arrested or voluntarily surrenders.
She added that in some cases, governments may already be aware of such warrants, referencing the situation involving former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether a warrant exists or if the Philippine government has received official notification.
The ICC’s probe focuses on allegations of extrajudicial killings during the anti-drug campaign launched under Duterte’s administration. As the former national police chief, Senator dela Rosa played a central role in implementing the crackdown.
The Philippine government has previously rejected ICC involvement, arguing that the country’s judicial system is capable of handling investigations into alleged human rights violations.