MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday, November 11, clarified that it cannot confirm reports claiming it has issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

In a report, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said that official updates from the court can only be verified through its official communications channels and press releases.

“No, the ICC can’t confirm such news,” El Abdallah said, responding to inquiries over statements made by Ombudsman Boying Remulla. He added that, to date, the court has opened only one case, which involves former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The clarification follows Remulla’s November 8 interview on DZRH, where he claimed that the ICC had already issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.

“I have it in good authority [to disclose] because this is a public interest program, that the ICC has issued a warrant against Senator Bato Dela Rosa, a warrant of arrest,” Remulla said in the broadcast.

After Remulla’s statement, both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) said they have yet to receive any notice from Interpol regarding such a warrant.