MANILA, Philippines — February 16, 2026. Malacañang said the Philippine government is obliged to implement any arrest warrants that may be issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who were recently named as alleged co-perpetrators in the tribunal’s investigation into drug war killings under former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that the inclusion of the two senators in the ICC filing dated February 13 is part of a legal process that the government cannot interfere with. 

“Kung ito naman ay legal process na nanggagaling po sa ICC, hindi naman po natin ito maaaring pakialaman dahil ang kasong iyan ay naisampa noon pa, 2017, at hindi pa po pangulo si Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” Castro said. 

She added that if warrants are coursed through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the Philippines is bound to cooperate, as it did in the case of Duterte’s transfer to The Hague last year.

The ICC prosecutor named eight present and past officials, including Dela Rosa and Go, as alleged allies in the Duterte-era drug war killings. Dela Rosa, who served as Duterte’s first police chief, has not appeared at public events or Senate sessions since late 2025, fueling speculation about his possible inclusion in the ICC case. Go, a longtime aide and ally of Duterte, was also tagged in the filing.

Malacañang emphasized that the government will follow existing laws and procedures if arrest warrants are issued. “It has been done before and we followed the law that exists in our country. Our government coordinated with Interpol, which is why former president Duterte was sent to The Hague,” Castro said.

The Palace also urged ICC-tagged officials not to hide if they believe they are innocent. “Why hide if you’re not guilty?” Castro remarked, stressing that transparency and cooperation are expected from public officials facing international legal scrutiny.

This development marks a significant escalation in the ICC’s probe into the Philippine drug war, with the possibility of arrest warrants against sitting senators raising questions about political stability and the country’s obligations under international law.