The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) is set to issue a subpoena on Monday to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa regarding his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the Davao Region.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified on Sunday that the order is for a personal appearance to aid an internal investigation, not an arrest warrant. The probe centers on Dela Rosa’s tenure as Davao City Police Office director and Davao Region chief.
“The CIDG will issue a subpoena tomorrow to General De La Rosa to appear personally before the CIDG office here in aid of the investigation of the previous crimes,” Remulla said.
Remulla emphasized that the investigation is a response to findings from the House Quad Committee and is intended to address over 100 EJK complaints.
He dismissed rumors that the move was linked to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“It’s all related to the 100-plus complaints of EJK that occurred during his term as City Director and Regional Director of Davao. There will be no handcuffs. It is merely a subpoena for investigation, not an arrest warrant,” he explained.
While the Secretary maintains he has no official information regarding an ICC warrant, he confirmed that ports of exit have been placed on alert to monitor the senator’s movements.
Remulla stated that this move signals a shift in police policy and a commitment to accountability.
“We have to make it clear that EJK is no longer a policy of the PNP. We have to make it clear that all officers involved must be held accountable. And just to be clear, he was the tip of the spear in the EJK drive, so we will start with him and investigate down further,” Remulla added.
Senator Dela Rosa, currently in the Davao Region, has been notified of the subpoena but has yet to issue a formal response.