The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated that it is ready to enforce any arrest warrants that may be issued by the International Criminal Court against individuals linked to the crimes against humanity case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday that the police force would coordinate with other law enforcement agencies if new ICC-related warrants are issued.
“The police force will continue to coordinate with other relevant law enforcement agencies regarding the matter. The PNP is always prepared for such development,” Nartatez said.
His statement came after National Bureau of Investigation director Melvin Matibag said Saturday that he had information that the ICC was expected to issue arrest warrants against several individuals allegedly implicated in the case.
Matibag made the statement as authorities were seeking to locate and arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who has been named among Duterte’s alleged co-perpetrators in the case.
Aside from Dela Rosa, others named as alleged co-perpetrators include Sen. Bong Go, former PNP chiefs Camilo Cascolan, who is deceased, and Oscar Albayalde, former acting PNP chief Vicente Danao, former NBI director Dante Gierran, former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director general Isidro Lapeña and former justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II.
Nartatez said the PNP remains committed to enforcing lawful orders while following established rules and procedures.
“We remain fully committed to our mandate of upholding the rule of law, including the enforcement of any legal orders. As officers of the law, this is our sworn duty. We in the PNP remain true to that commitment to the Filipino people,” he said.
He stressed that police personnel would act only on orders issued by proper authorities.
“Our personnel will only act upon orders issued by proper authorities, ensuring that they are in accordance with existing rules and protocols,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief said any operation related to the ICC case would be carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures.
“As a professional and disciplined institution, the PNP ensures that all actions remain consistent with standard operating procedures,” he said.