The Philippine National Police has deployed tracker teams to locate and arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa following the Supreme Court’s denial of his plea to stop the implementation of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the tracker teams were mobilized in coordination with the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation to serve the warrant against Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief linked to the bloody drug war under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Our mandate is clear but I am emphasizing to our personnel that operational discipline is paramount,” Nartatez said.
“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.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday denied Dela Rosa’s petition for a temporary restraining order that sought to block authorities from enforcing the ICC warrant against him.
Dela Rosa has been named as one of Duterte’s alleged co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity case before the international court in connection with the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Nartatez said any police action against the senator must strictly follow the law, police operational procedures, and human rights standards.
“The Philippine National Police 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,” Nartatez said.
He also said the PNP would carry out its duty without political consideration.
“We will perform our legal duty professionally and without political bias, ensuring that the process remains dignified and secure for all parties involved,” he said.
The PNP said coordination with concerned agencies would continue as authorities move to implement the warrant in accordance with legal and operational protocols.