The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Tuesday debunked online rumors claiming Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has fled the country, confirming that the lawmaker remains within Philippine jurisdiction following the issuance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP-CIDG Director PMGen. Robert Alexander Morico II dismissed the viral reports and assured the public that intelligence teams are actively monitoring the former police chief’s location.
“What I can say is he’s still in the country,” Morico stated, drawing a parallel to another high-profile figure. “Like Atong Ang, Senator Bato is still inside the country and we will be reinforcing… enforced that warrant of arrest.”
The CIDG disclosed that the PNP has officially secured a copy of the ICC warrant, paving the way for law enforcement units to iron out operational preparations in coordination with relevant agencies.
This was corroborated by PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in an earlier ambush interview, where he affirmed that the police force is carefully calibrating its next steps for the proper implementation of the international order.
Nartatez also revealed that during a Senate meeting on May 13, Dela Rosa inquired about the possibility of seeking protective custody from the PNP. However, the top cop clarified that while protective custody can be granted, it will be legally treated as a formal surrender once the arrest warrant is officially served.
Police authorities maintained that any impending operations to execute the ICC warrant will strictly adhere to due process and established legal frameworks.