BUTUAN CITY – The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly preparing to issue arrest warrants against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Oscar Albayalde for their alleged involvement in the controversial war on drugs during the Duterte administration.
ICC assistant to counsel Atty. Kristina Conti confirmed that both Dela Rosa and Albayalde, along with former President Rodrigo Duterte, are named in ICC documents, with investigations ongoing into their roles.
While Dela Rosa has remained defiant, claiming he would challenge any potential warrant, Albayalde, despite denying any wrongdoing, faces scrutiny over the “ninja cops” scandal involving officers accused of recycling seized illegal drugs.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018, oversaw the deadly anti-drug campaign, which has faced widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings.
Albayalde, who took over from Dela Rosa, also faced criticism during his tenure, especially regarding the controversial drug recycling issue. Although both deny any human rights violations, Conti believes that further evidence could emerge once Duterte’s trial begins.
The ICC’s investigation continues, and other former police officials may also face charges, with three additional figures under consideration.
