Executive leadership has placed law enforcement command structures on direct notice, framing the serving of an international warrant against a high-ranking politician as a vital test of institutional integrity.
Malacañang stated on Tuesday that it would be difficult if some members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were to refuse to execute the arrest or shelter former police chief turned senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the drug war of the previous Duterte administration.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has shown no signs of frustration over the delay in Dela Rosa’s arrest, acknowledging the efforts deployed by police forces.
“Walang nakikitang frustration. Ang mahirap lamang po diyan kung talagang makikita at mapapatunayan na mismong mga pulis ang nagkakanlong para hindi mahuli si Senator Bato dela Rosa (There is no signs of frustration. The only problem is if it is seen and established that the police officers themselves are coddling Senator Bato dela Rosa to prevent his arrest),” Castro said.
Castro emphasized that the judicial warrant issued against Dela Rosa must not be set aside simply because he previously led the national police force or maintains close personal ties with active police officers.
Castro also said that serving the warrant and executing the arrest presents a direct challenge for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under Secretary Jonvic Remulla and the PNP under Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to demonstrate unwavering allegiance to constitutional duty and the nation.
“Ang inyong mandato ay magpatupad ng batas, magpapatupad ng ibinibigay sa inyong order nang naaayon naman sa konstitusyon (our mandate is to enforce the law and carry out the orders given to you, in accordance with the Constitution),” Castro said.
“May valid warrant of arrest, so hindi puwede na kayo ang magdesisyon kung huhulihin ninyo o hindi ninyo huhulihin si Senator Bato dela Rosa hindi dahil siya ay dati ninyong naging chief (here is a valid warrant of arrest, so it is not up to you to decide whether or not to arrest Senator Bato dela Rosa—not even on the grounds that he was your former chief),” Castro also said.
The Palace spokesperson expressed confidence that the PNP leadership under Nartatez will prioritize official duty over personal friendships or professional alliances.
Remulla previously acknowledged that Dela Rosa’s extensive professional network as a former PNP chief and graduate of the Philippine Military Academy presents operational hurdles for tracking teams.
Dela Rosa headed the PNP from July 2016 to April 2018 during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte is currently detained at The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.