MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ruled out a shoot-to-kill policy against fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, ordering police operatives to observe strict legal procedures as authorities intensify efforts to locate and arrest him following the expiration of his surrender deadline.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed Tuesday that police officers must exercise restraint and respect human rights in enforcing the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, who is wanted in connection with crimes against humanity allegations before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“The PNP does not subscribe to a shoot-to-kill approach. Our mandate is to enforce the law, not to take the law into our own hands,” Nartatez said.
The police chief emphasized that any arrest operation must adhere to the principles of proportionality, lawful use of force and due process.
His statement came amid circulating social media posts falsely claiming that Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan had proposed a shoot-to-kill resolution against Dela Rosa.
Suan denied the allegation, describing the statement attributed to him as fabricated.
Nartatez acknowledged mounting public demands for accountability but warned against disregarding constitutional safeguards in pursuing wanted individuals.
“We understand the public’s desire for accountability, but justice must never be pursued at the expense of the law,” he said.
“The credibility of law enforcement rests not only on our ability to enforce the law but on our discipline in doing so within the limits prescribed by law,” he added.
Dela Rosa faces an ICC arrest warrant linked to alleged crimes against humanity arising from the Duterte administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
The one-week surrender period set by police expired October 30 without Dela Rosa turning himself in.
Authorities have since continued intelligence gathering and monitoring operations to establish his whereabouts and enforce the warrant.
Nartatez maintained that the PNP’s responsibility is to bring wanted individuals before the proper judicial authorities, not administer punishment outside the legal process./PN
