International Criminal Court (ICC) assistant to counsel Atty. Kristina Conti on Wednesday said authorities should execute the ICC-issued arrest warrant in secret to ensure its success.
“Syempre, una diyan ‘yung consideration kung ma-implement ba ‘yung warrant o hindi. Syempre maximizing the chances. Kasi kapag in-announce mo— aba’y talaga…,” Conti told Super Radyo dzBB.
She added, “Actually, ‘yung ICC sabi nila, napagtanto nila na teka dapat nga ang application ng warrant ay ang default, secret. ‘Yun ‘yung— may binago silang kaunti sa kanilang regulation pero sinunod naman rin naman nila ang kanilang practice.”
Conti made the statement when asked why the ICC has not confirmed whether a warrant has been issued against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Over the weekend, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed that the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, although both the ICC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have yet to confirm it. Remulla said he has an unofficial copy of the document.
The DOJ earlier stated that the Philippine government will comply if the ICC officially issues a warrant, adding that authorities may either extradite or surrender Dela Rosa to the tribunal.
While no confirmed case has been filed against the senator at the ICC, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV previously said that Dela Rosa and several former police officials were among those investigated for alleged crimes linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the campaign, has denied receiving any official information about the alleged warrant. His legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, also said they are aware only of circulating reports.
