Police command structures are distancing active force personnel from personal political ties following public warnings regarding internal institutional loyalties.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public on Wednesday that the police force’s relationship with Sen. Dela Rosa will not affect ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend the lawmaker.
The statement followed Malacañang’s warning that executing the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Dela Rosa for crimes against humanity could face hurdles if PNP personnel shield the former police chief.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro previously noted that police officers lack the discretion to ignore a valid warrant based on personal loyalty or prior professional relationships.
“We welcome the challenge of Malacañang because it reinforces a fundamental principle of law enforcement: no position, rank, or personal relationship is above the law,” Nartatez said.
“The loyalty of every police officer must always be to the Constitution and the law, not to personalities or former positions,” Nartatez also said.
“In the PNP, service is a duty, not a privilege, and no personal allegiance should ever stand in the way of justice,” Nartatez added.
The PNP disclosed that tracking teams continue to receive operational information regarding Dela Rosa’s whereabouts via dedicated hotline numbers, with incoming tips undergoing active validation.
State authorities have offered a P50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Dela Rosa, who remains classified as armed and dangerous.