The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Friday that specialized tracker teams have been deployed across the country to locate and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The manhunt is a coordinated effort between the PNP, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“[PNP chief Police General Jose Melencion Nartatez Jr.] also confirmed that tracker teams have been mobilized in coordination with the DOJ and the NBI to locate and serve the arrest warrant against the senator,” the PNP stated.
PNP Chief Jose Melencion Nartatez Jr. emphasized that all operating units must strictly adhere to legal protocols and respect constitutional rights during the operation.
“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 said.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has also activated its extensive network to assist in the operations.
“Gagamitin namin ang buong unit ng CIDG for every region and every province kasi ganun naman po, in coordination with other police unit,” CIDG Director Robert Alexander A. Morico II said.
We will utilize the entire CIDG unit in every region and every province because that is standard procedure, in coordination with other police units.
The legal green light for the arrest was echoed by Acting Justice Secretary Frederick Vida, who confirmed on Thursday that the NBI and PNP are fully authorized to enforce the international warrant.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla added that the DILG and the police force would “follow the lead” of the DOJ regarding the execution of the order.
To prevent any attempt to flee the country, Nartatez has ordered the Maritime Group, Aviation Security Group, and the Southern Task Force to tightly monitor all major ports and exit points.
Dela Rosa, who served as the PNP chief during the Duterte administration, was the chief architect of the controversial anti-drug campaign. The ICC warrant stems from ongoing investigations into alleged crimes against humanity tied to the drug war, which human rights groups claim resulted in thousands of deaths. Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, where the international tribunal is based.