ICC Monitors Duterte’s Health, Issues Warrant for Senator Dela Rosa

ICC Monitors Duterte’s Health, Issues Warrant for Senator Dela Rosa

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | May 22, 2026

THE HAGUE/MANILA, Philippines – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has moved closer to potentially bringing former Philippine National Police Chief Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to The Hague. 

This follows the confirmation of an arrest warrant against him and the ongoing health monitoring of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained. These developments underscore the persistent reach of international justice amid legal and operational challenges in the Philippines.

Duterte Under Continuous Monitoring Due to Health Concerns

The ICC Registry has confirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte is under continuous monitoring. This measure, detailed in a document from ICC Trial Chamber III, is based on medical advice from the ICC’s Medical Officer (MO). The MO’s assessment describes Mr. Duterte as “an elderly detained person with an increased fall risk due to age and several chronic physical ailments,” necessitating “ongoing assessment and medical care.”

This 24/7 monitoring ensures that custody staff can address Mr. Duterte’s needs and “reduce response time should any incident occur,” prioritizing his well-being. This detail clarifies the practical considerations and safeguards for high-profile ICC detainees.

PNP Mobilizes to Execute Arrest Warrant Against Dela Rosa, Upholding Due Process

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is mobilizing tracker teams to serve the ICC arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. While committed to executing this international directive, the PNP assures the public that all operations will strictly adhere to established procedures and uphold human rights.

PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed all units to maintain “maximum tolerance and professionalism.” This aligns with statements from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, emphasizing adherence to due process and existing laws.

“Our mandate is clear, but I emphasize to our personnel that operational discipline is paramount,” Chief Nartatez stated. “There will be no shortcuts, and every action will align with existing protocols to protect constitutional rights and maintain public trust.” The PNP’s cautious approach balances international obligations with domestic legal and political sensitivities.

Legal Strategy Criticized After Supreme Court Rejects Dela Rosa’s Petition

Senator Dela Rosa’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, faced sharp criticism from former Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo following the Supreme Court’s rejection of Dela Rosa’s petition. The petition sought writs of amparo, certiorari, prohibition, and a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to halt the ICC arrest warrant’s implementation. The Supreme Court dismissed these petitions with a 9-5-1 vote.

Panelo argued that a writ of habeas corpus would have been the appropriate legal recourse, allowing Dela Rosa’s legal team to immediately challenge the arrest warrant’s validity.

“To Senator Dela Rosa and his lawyer, I told you so,” Panelo asserted. “What you filed was incorrect. It should not have been certiorari, amparo, TRO, and injunction. What you should have filed was habeas corpus.” This legal debate highlights the complexities and differing interpretations of legal strategies when confronting international arrest warrants within a domestic framework. The Supreme Court’s decision now clears a significant hurdle for the eventual execution of the ICC warrant within the Philippines.