Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Jeff Caparas

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Lawyer Israelito Torreon, lead legal counsel of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa clarified on Thursday that photos he previously posted on social media with his client were not taken recently, amid public speculation linking the images to reports of an alleged International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.Torreon said the photos were taken on May 22, 2025, during a meeting at a shopping mall in Lanang, Davao City, months before renewed attention on possible ICC action against personalities linked to the Duterte administration’s war on illegal drugs.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/11/lawyer-says-bato-incommunicado-since-november-7-1823">Lawyer says Bato &#x27;incommunicado&#x27; since November 7 </a> </div>“Nung nakita ko kasi mga pictures ko, nadaanan ko iyon, ang na-post ko lang pala yung meeting namin nung May 22 yung sa anak ko lang. E di pinost ko na lang yun, kasi nag meeting kami… para kumustahin siya at iparating sa kanya na maraming huma-hunting sa kanya,” Torreon told ABS-CBN News.Torreon said he was surprised that the post was interpreted as a recent meeting or as an attempt to obstruct justice.“Eh iba intindi nang mainstream media, nagkita raw kami tapos mayroon pang isang abogado… na nagsabi obstruction of justice daw ako, ano obstruction of justice doon? Nagpost lang ako na i-hi siya, kumusta siya parang ganun, so walang ibig sabihin yun, di kami nagkita recently,” he added.He added that the last time he personally spoke with Dela Rosa was in November, after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s statement on an alleged ICC warrant. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/14/-cannot-be-reached-bato-dela-rosa-no-show-at-budget-bicam-meeting-0825">&#x27;Cannot be reached&#x27;: Bato dela Rosa no show at budget bicam meeting </a> </div>“Basta procedural moves lang naman, lawyers have authority to do anything and everything so long as it is in protection of the rights of my client, I do my thing,” Torreon said.The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity in connection with thousands of deaths during police anti-drug operations. Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief at the height of the campaign, has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the court has no authority over him.Torreon said that aside from court-related matters, he and the senator have not discussed personal plans, although he confirmed receiving a commemorative watch from the senator’s family.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon, lead legal counsel of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, said photos he previously posted on social media with his client were not taken recently, amid public speculation linking the images to reports of an alleged ICC arrest warrant.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon, lead legal counsel of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, said photos he previously posted on social media with his client were not taken recently, amid public speculation linking the images to reports of an alleged ICC arrest warrant.

Torreon says photos with 'Bato' were old

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Torreon says photos with 'Bato' were old

Jeff Caparas,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 18, 2025 04:08 PM PHT

Read More:

Israelito Torreon

Ronald Dela Rosa

In hiding

Photo

ICC

ABSnews

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.