Quezon city: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Sunday a subpoena will be issued to Senator Ronald Dela Rosa on Monday for his alleged links and knowledge on extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the drug war of the Duterte administration. Remulla said he ordered Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to mobilize the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), PNP Legal Services and the Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management for the issuance of the subpoena.
According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla clarified the subpoena is not an arrest warrant but an order that requires Dela Rosa to appear personally before the CIDG in connection with investigations into alleged cases of EJKs during his term as PNP and Davao City Police chief. During a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, he addressed circulating rumors about an Interpol red notice for Dela Rosa, denying any such notice exists. However, he instructed General Nartatez to resume investigations regarding Dela Rosa's previous actions as the City Director of Davao and Regional Director of Davao Region.
Remulla confirmed that Dela Rosa remains in the Philippines, particularly in the Davao Region, and has informed the Davao and Region 11 police of the potential issuance of the subpoena. He emphasized that Dela Rosa will be treated with respect due to his status as a senator and former high-ranking police official, assuring that no handcuffs will be involved.
The PNP's drug war investigation will encompass all complaints and records, including the more than 6,000 deaths during police operations and the alleged involvement of some police officers in vigilante-type killings. Nartatez stated that the Quad Committee report from the House of Representatives last year will serve as the basis for the investigation, alongside other reports and complaints of EJKs and abuses.
Remulla emphasized the importance of reconciling the truth regarding the events of those years as a step towards moving forward as a country. He highlighted that this initiative sends a message of accountability from the Philippine National Police, indicating that there are no sacred cows and no one is being protected.
Senator Dela Rosa, who was the first PNP chief during former president Rodrigo Duterte's term starting in 2016, is among the officials linked to the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the previous administration's anti-illegal drug operations. He has been absent from Senate sessions and public events since November 2025 following the announcement by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla regarding an ICC warrant of arrest over his implication in crimes against humanity cases related to Duterte.
