ICC Investigation: Bato Dela Rosa Ready for Legal Battle as the Philippines Faces Global Pressure

 

An old issue has once again resurfaced in the Philippines the International Criminal Court (ICC) has advanced its investigation, bringing the names of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his close ally, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, back into public discussion.

This isn’t just any ordinary case. It’s tied to the infamous “War on Drugs” the same campaign during which thousands of people lost their lives between 2016 and 2022.

The ICC claims these killings could amount to “crimes against humanity,” while some Philippine leaders argue the campaign was necessary to free the nation from the grip of drugs.

👮 Background: The “War on Drugs”

When Rodrigo Duterte became president in 2016, he took a strong stance:

> “Drugs will destroy our youth I will destroy the drug trade.”

Following that statement, anti-drug operations swept across the Philippines. Thousands of suspects were killed in police encounters.

The government maintained that these were all “legitimate operations,” while human rights organizations claimed many of them were extrajudicial killings and that innocent people also died.

According to reports:

Official government figures show around 6,200 deaths.

Independent organizations estimate between 12,000 and 30,000 deaths.

⚖️ Why Did the ICC Open a Case?

The Philippines was still a member of the ICC when the campaign began.

Under ICC rules, if a member country commits serious human rights violations during its membership period, The Hague-based court can investigate those crimes.

In 2019, the Philippines officially withdrew from ICC membership but the court says:

> “Jurisdiction remains for cases that occurred when the country was still a member.”

That’s why incidents between 2016 and 2019 remain legally valid for investigation.

👤 Bato Dela Rosa’s Role

At that time, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) — meaning he had direct command over anti-drug operations.

The ICC included his name in its case files because he personally led Operation Tokhang and other major anti-drug missions.

Today, Bato serves as a senator, and he has publicly stated:

> “I’m ready if the ICC issues a warrant. I am not afraid.

But the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.”

He also mentioned he would seek judicial relief from the Supreme Court if the ICC takes any formal action.

⚔️ The Government’s Stance

The current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made its position clear:

The Philippines will not cooperate with the ICC.

This is purely a domestic matter, to be handled by local courts.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told the media:

> “As of now, no arrest warrant has been issued.

The ICC has no power over our sovereign country.”

However, international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch insist that the ICC’s role is essential to bring justice to families who lost their loved ones without a fair trial.

💬 Bato’s Response and His Argument

Bato Dela Rosa has repeatedly said that the ICC’s true motive is not “justice,” but “control.”

In his words:

> “The ICC does not seek justice; it wants to control its member states.”

He argues that the drug war brought peace and safety to the country and saved millions of young people from addiction.

He dismisses his critics as “politically motivated”, claiming the case is part of an anti-Duterte agenda.

🧭 Legal and Political Impact

If the ICC decides to issue an arrest warrant, it could have serious consequences:

Dela Rosa and Duterte could face international travel restrictions.

Within the Philippines, arresting them would be nearly impossible without government cooperation.

Politically, this would cause a major divide supporters would call it “foreign interference”, while critics would demand “accountability.”

Legal experts believe that if an ICC warrant becomes active, it will significantly affect the Philippines’ international image.

It’s a clash between national sovereignty and the pursuit of justice and human rights.

⚠️ International Reactions

The European Union and the United Nations both called the ICC’s investigation a “necessary step toward justice.”

The United States has remained neutral but expressed concern over human rights violations.

Across Asia, debates continue over whether international courts like the ICC should be allowed to intervene in local justice systems.

Some lawmakers in the Philippines argue that ICC interference threatens the country’s sovereignty,

while others insist that if local courts refuse to act, victims deserve another avenue for justice.

📊 Public Opinion

According to recent polls:

40% of Filipinos believe the ICC investigation should continue.

35% think the country should handle it internally.

The rest remain neutral.

This clearly shows that public opinion is deeply divided.

Some say the drug war made their communities safer, while others believe innocent people were killed without justice.

🕊️ What Happens Next?

Everything now depends on the ICC’s next move.

If the court finds reasonable grounds, it may issue arrest warrants.

Whether or not the Philippine government chooses to honor those warrants will have major legal and diplomatic consequences.

Bato has made his stance clear:

> “I’m here. I’m not leaving the Philippines.

I stand by what I’ve said.”

His confidence gives strength to his supporters but poses a serious challenge to ICC investigators.

🧩 Conclusion

This case is far from simple.

On one side stands the international justice system, and on the other, national sovereignty.

On one side are thousands of families seeking justice, and on the other, leaders who claim they acted in the nation’s best interest.

The ICC’s decision could become a historic turning point for the Philippines.

If an arrest warrant is issued, it may set a major precedent in Southeast Asia, showing how powerful international law can be.

For now, all eyes are on Bato Dela Rosa and the ICC’s next steps.

Will justice prevail or will politics win once again?

Only time will tell.

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