The potential arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is shaping up to be a critical litmus test for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding its capability to honor international legal commitments.
This development comes as the International Criminal Court (ICC) targets at least six other individuals listed as co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity case tied to the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the impending enforcement of Dela Rosa’s arrest warrant suggests that the ICC may soon unseal warrants for other high-ranking officials allied with former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“We have information that there are several which will be issued with a warrant by the ICC,” Matibag disclosed.
The NBI chief explained that the prospect of multiple impending warrants is the primary reason why the bureau has maintained strict confidentiality regarding its current operations to apprehend Dela Rosa. However, he emphasized their readiness to act.
“If additional arrest warrants are issued, we are always ready to enforce it, to serve the warrant,” Matibag assured.
In February, ICC prosecutors identified Dela Rosa and seven other prominent figures from the previous administration as key participants in a “Common Plan” designed to “neutralize” suspected criminals through extrajudicial killings.
Aside from Dela Rosa—whose legal troubles deepened following his alleged involvement in a plot to unseat current Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III—the named co-perpetrators include:
- Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Vicente Danao
- Former NBI Chief Dante Gierran
- Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Chief Isidro Lapeña
- Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II
- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go
Former PNP Chief Camilo Cascolan was also included in the ICC list but passed away in 2023.
The Department of Justice previously mandated both the NBI and the PNP to enforce the international warrant after Dela Rosa failed to obtain a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. confirmed that specialized tracker teams have already been deployed to locate the lawmaker, promising an operation aligned with legal protocols.
“The Philippine National Police operates strictly under the rule of law. I have issued clear instructions to all local and specialized units that any enforcement action concerning Senator Dela Rosa must be executed with absolute transparency, full adherence to police operational procedures, and the utmost respect for human rights,” Nartatez stated.
Matibag admitted that Dela Rosa’s extensive background in law enforcement presents unique challenges for tracker teams, noting that the former police chief understands how tactical monitoring and evasion operate. Despite these hurdles, intelligence reports suggest the senator remains within the country.
“We are getting leads every day indicating that he is still in the Philippines. We have dedicated teams to track Senator Bato. At the same time, we already ordered all district and regional offices to do their own monitoring,” Matibag said. “But eventually the law will catch up with you and the law enforcers will get you wherever you are.”