Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on November 8, 2025 that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald de la Rosa in connection with former President Rodrigo Duterte’s so called “war on drugs.”
Remulla, formerly the Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), was appointed Ombudsman by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 7, 2025.
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief under Duterte, oversaw the former administration’s anti-drug campaign, which has been linked to thousands of deaths. Government records show that under the administration of Rodrigo Duterte around 6,200 drug suspects were killed during the said campaign, while the human rights commission estimated up to 30,000 extrajudicial killings.
ICC investigators have identified Dela Rosa as a key implementer of Duterte’s “Project Double Barrel,” outlining the PNP’s approach to combat illegal drugs, and consider him a co-perpetrator of crimes against humanity.
In response to the report, Dela Rosa sought a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court to block his alleged arrest and requested a copy of the warrant. The Court denied his motion, stating that the warrant could not be compelled for submission.
The DOJ said it is still verifying the reported arrest warrant. Government officials noted that if the warrant exists, the Philippines could comply through extradition or voluntary surrender. Confirming the warrant is difficult because the ICC typically keeps such orders confidential until they are served.
Legal experts are debating whether Senate immunity could shield Dela Rosa. The ICC has not publicly confirmed any warrant, and Dela Rosa has expressed willingness to cooperate with any proceedings.
The ICC Appeals Chamber upheld the denial of Duterte’s request for interim release on November 28, 2025, rejecting an earlier appeal filed by his legal team.
Duterte’s lawyers had raised three grounds for release: risk assessment, guarantees from a willing host state, and humanitarian considerations. The court dismissed them all. Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said the defense will wait for Duterte’s medical evaluation and will again file its request for his release.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged President Marcos Jr. to create a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate killings that occurred during the “war on drugs” and promote national healing.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David emphasized that the commission would prioritize truth, accountability, and compassion, providing justice and support to victims while recommending reforms.
The groundwork for the commission has begun.