The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa will not be given special treatment despite his former role as the country’s top police official.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization remains duty-bound to follow the law and carry out its mandate fairly, regardless of a person’s rank, position, or previous ties with the institution.
“The Philippine National Police operates strictly on legal frameworks and our sworn oath to serve and protect, meaning no individual is above the law regardless of rank or title,” Nartatez said.
The statement came amid public concern that some police personnel may hesitate to act against Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief who still commands respect within the organization.
Nartatez said institutional respect for Dela Rosa would not influence police action, stressing that all officers are expected to enforce lawful directives with professionalism, impartiality, and transparency.
“While our ranks maintain an institutional respect for Senator Bato Dela Rosa as a former PNP chief, we assure the public that there will be no special treatment,” he said.
Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the previous administration’s drug war.
Nartatez said he has directed all police units to strictly observe standard operating procedures in any operation related to the senator. Commanders were also told to avoid preferential treatment and prevent unauthorized disclosures that could compromise lawful processes.
The PNP is coordinating with concerned government agencies to ensure the orderly implementation of any legal procedure involving Dela Rosa.
Nartatez also appealed to the senator’s sense of duty as a former law enforcer, urging him to cooperate fully with the legal process.
“We expect all officers to uphold standard operating procedures without fear or favor, and we explicitly appeal to Senator Dela Rosa’s enduring sense of duty as a lifelong law enforcer to cooperate fully with the legal process,” he said.
The PNP chief said the conduct of police officers in the coming days would test the credibility of the institution at a time of heightened public scrutiny.
“The eyes of the nation are on us, and the PNP will remain a professional, disciplined institution that honors the badge by executing its mandates with maximum restraint, strict adherence to human rights, and total accountability,” Nartatez said.