By Samantha Yu
MANILA, Philippines — The DILG has defended its decision not to independently enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, saying it was awaiting legal clarity and presidential guidance.
The department stressed that enforcement actions were placed on hold following instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who directed law enforcement agencies to defer to the Supreme Court’s decision on whether the ICC warrant could be implemented locally without a Philippine-issued warrant.
The ICC earlier confirmed the issuance of an arrest warrant tied to alleged crimes against humanity related to the country’s anti-drug campaign under former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Although the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to serve the warrant, it did not proceed after the Senate placed Dela Rosa under protective custody.
Dela Rosa has also petitioned the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order to stop the warrant’s execution.
Critics, including former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, accused the government of inaction, but the DILG insisted it was following legal processes, emphasizing that the situation remained subject to court proceedings and institutional coordination.
ia/
