MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla engaged in a heated verbal exchange on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, over the enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
The clash centers on the validity of the warrant and the government’s perceived hesitation to act following Dela Rosa’s sudden reappearance at the Senate on Monday.
Trillanes, a primary complainant in the ICC’s investigation into the Duterte-era drug war, criticized Secretary Remulla for a sudden shift in tone regarding the apprehension of the former PNP chief.
- The 10,000-Member Task Force: Trillanes recalled that over the weekend, Remulla had announced a massive police “dragnet” and task force to locate Dela Rosa.
- Whose Side? In a radio interview, Trillanes questioned Remulla’s commitment, asking, “Whose side is he on?” after the Secretary claimed the DILG was not in possession of an “official” warrant despite the ICC’s public confirmation.
- The Ombudsman Connection: Trillanes pointed out the irony that the Secretary’s brother, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, was the first official to disclose the existence of the warrant back in November 2025.
Secretary Remulla dismissed Trillanes’ tirades, standing firm on the administration’s policy regarding international jurisdictions.
- Legal Standing: Remulla argued that because the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute nine years ago, the ICC warrant has “no force and effect” within Philippine borders.
- Official Documents: “I will only act on a legal document,” Remulla said, stressing that he would not implement a warrant presented by a private citizen like Trillanes.
- Interpol Coordination: The Secretary maintained that any action must come through the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) or Interpol, rather than directly from the ICC.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the new Senate leadership have also weighed in, creating a unified front against immediate arrest.
- PNP Guided by Law: PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño stated that the police will wait for a “court order” issued by a local Philippine court before taking any action against their former chief.
- Senate Sanctuary: Newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano has reiterated that the Senate premises remain under protective custody and that no foreign warrant will be entertained without domestic judicial backing.
The ICC confirmed on Monday night that Senator Dela Rosa is named as a “co-perpetrator” in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding thousands of killings associated with the war on drugs. Dela Rosa had been out of the public eye for six months before surfacing during the Senate leadership coup on May 11.