Manila: The Philippine political landscape is once again in turmoil following a shocking announcement by the country’s Ombudsman that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Ronald Dela Rosa, a former national police chief and close ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte. The announcement, if confirmed, could mark a significant escalation in accountability efforts related to the Duterte-era “war on drugs,” which has long been criticized for alleged human rights violations.

According to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, the warrant targets Dela Rosa in connection with alleged crimes committed during Duterte’s presidency (2016–2022) and during his tenure as mayor of Davao City. The announcement claimed that the ICC had relayed the warrant to the Philippine

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