The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the public that past alliances and military academy ties will not hinder its mandate to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1986 and former chief of the PNP under the Duterte administration, is wanted over a crimes against humanity case before the International Criminal Court (ICC). The charges stem from the controversial drug war that left thousands dead. A ₱50 million reward has been put on his capture.
Despite Dela Rosa’s history and connections within the active service—including PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. belonging to PMA Class 1992—the leadership stressed that institutional duty takes precedence.
Welcoming a challenge from Malacañang to keep the manhunt free from partiality, Nartatez emphasized the absolute supremacy of the law.
“We welcome the challenge of Malacañang because it reinforces a fundamental principle of law enforcement: no position, rank, or personal relationship is above the law. The Philippine National Police will remain professional, impartial, and steadfast in implementing lawful orders, regardless of who is involved,” Nartatez said.
The Palace earlier acknowledged that executing the manhunt poses unique challenges given Dela Rosa’s former leadership, but expressed full confidence in the police force’s integrity.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that the administration trusts the PNP to execute its duties without being compromised by personal connections.
Nartatez echoed this sentiment, underscoring that a police officer’s primary allegiance belongs to the state rather than any individual.
“The loyalty of every police officer must always be to the Constitution and the law, not to personalities or former positions. In the PNP, service is a duty, not a privilege, and no personal allegiance should ever stand in the way of justice,” he stated.
Following the expiration of a one-week surrender deadline, nationwide tracker teams have been deployed, and authorities continue to vet active tips concerning the senator’s location.
If captured, Dela Rosa is expected to join former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague in the Netherlands.