Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced the mobilization of tracker teams to enforce an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa after the Supreme Court denied his petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO).
According to Philippines News Agency, Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to the previous administration's anti-illegal drug campaign. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the deployment of tracker teams has been coordinated with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
"We will perform our legal duty professionally and without political bias, ensuring that the process remains dignified and secure for all parties involved," Nartatez said in a statement. He emphasized that the teams have been instructed to maintain maximum tolerance and professionalism, following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Nartatez reiterated that the PNP operates strictly under the rule of law and has issued clear instructions to all local and specialized units. Any enforcement action concerning Senator Dela Rosa must be conducted with full transparency, adherence to police procedures, and respect for human rights.
In a conversation with reporters, Nartatez suggested that it would be best for Dela Rosa to surrender, considering his past as a police officer. "He is a former police officer. Napakaganda ng career niya, especially in the fight against crime and maintaining peace," he remarked. He added that the PNP Custodial Facility is available should Dela Rosa opt to surrender and seek protective custody.
Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, confirmed that Dela Rosa is still in the country. "Just like [fugitive businessman] Atong Ang, Senator Bato is still inside the country, and we will enforce that warrant of arrest," he declared. Morico refrained from discussing the specifics of operations to locate Dela Rosa but highlighted the senator's alignment with the mindset of active PNP personnel.
Dela Rosa, who was PNP chief under former president Rodrigo Duterte from 2016 to 2018, was under Senate protective custody before leaving the Senate premises on May 14 in a vehicle reportedly owned by Senator Robin Padilla.
