Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla challenged former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to present proof that the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald Bato Dela Rosa.
Remulla issued the challenge after Trillanes publicly suggested that the interior chief should limit media appearances and instead concentrate on locating individuals allegedly wanted by the ICC. Speaking in an interview on ANC, Remulla questioned the basis of the claim, saying authorities cannot pursue an arrest in the absence of a valid warrant.
He said law enforcement is aware that Dela Rosa has been in Davao City, but stressed that no arrest order has been transmitted to the Philippine government. Without such documentation, Remulla said, there is no legal basis to search for or apprehend the former Philippine National Police chief.
The interior secretary added that he would personally act on the matter if Trillanes could provide proof of an existing ICC warrant. He said that should such evidence surface, he would travel to Davao City himself to carry out the arrest.
Remulla also shared information reportedly reaching his office that Dela Rosa has been moving around Davao City on a motorcycle, often accompanied by two individuals. He said Dela Rosa is believed to be staying with close associates and is currently with his family, while his properties in Cavite have been left unattended.
In the same interview, Remulla said Trillanes is free to pursue a citizen’s arrest if he believes there are sufficient legal grounds to place Dela Rosa in custody.
