MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated tracker teams nationwide and intensified monitoring of possible escape routes as authorities move to arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa over an International Criminal Court (ICC)-linked warrant tied to the Duterte administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
In a statement, the PNP confirmed that Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the mobilization of tracker units in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to locate and serve the arrest warrant against the senator.
The intensified operation came as authorities tightened intelligence monitoring in major ports, airports, and southern maritime routes amid efforts to determine Dela Rosa’s whereabouts.
Nartatez said all police units involved in the operation were ordered to strictly observe operational procedures and respect constitutional rights while implementing the arrest order.
“The PNP 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,” he said.
The PNP chief stressed that the operation would be carried out without political considerations.
“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.
“Our mandate is clear but I am emphasizing to our personnel that operational discipline is paramount. There will be no shortcuts and every movement will be heavily aligned with existing protocols to protect constitutional rights and maintain public trust,” he added.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida earlier disclosed that both the PNP and the NBI were ordered to arrest Dela Rosa following the issuance of the ICC warrant connected to the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-illegal drug campaign.
Dela Rosa served as PNP chief during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague while facing crimes against humanity charges before the ICC.
Nartatez also disclosed that coordination with the Bureau of Immigration showed no record of Dela Rosa leaving the country as of Thursday./PN
