Interviewed on ANC’s Headstart on July 18, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa claimed that former president Rodrigo Duterte never ordered the killing of anyone involved in drugs. This is inaccurate.

The former Philippine National Police chief was interviewed on his thoughts on the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s recent request to the Pre-Trial Chamber I to resume its drug war probe. The investigation was suspended in November 2021 when the ICC approved the Duterte administration’s deferral request, citing the government’s own investigation into the drug war killings.

Duterte’s controversial statements ordering law enforcement personnel to kill lawbreakers have been well-documented throughout his six-year term.

Watch this video:

Duterte’s speeches throughout his presidency have been embellished with violent rhetoric toward those involved in illegal drugs. (Read VERA FILES FACT SHEET: Duterte’s ‘never-ending’ fight against drugs and corruption in his own words)

The former president even made these remarks as recent as April 22 at the 43rd commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy.

“Sabihin ko nakikinig naman lahat pati (I’m going to say it, everyone’s listening anyway, including [those concerned about]) human rights: if you go into drugs, you will destroy my country. And if you destroy my country, I will kill you. Iyon ang pinakaano ko — lalo na drugs.”

Source: Presidential Communications Operations Office, 43rd Commencement Exercises of the PNPA...

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