The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to strictly follow legal procedures and uphold human rights in any operation to serve the arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said all concerned police units have been instructed to observe maximum tolerance, transparency, and professionalism in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure that law enforcement actions remain within the bounds of due process.
“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.
The statement came after the Department of Justice (DOJ) directed the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to arrest Dela Rosa in connection with a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
Nartatez said the PNP would carry out its mandate without political bias and with full regard for the security and dignity of everyone involved.
“We will perform our legal duty professionally and without political bias, ensuring that the process remains dignified and secure for all parties involved,” the PNP chief said.
He also confirmed that tracker teams have been mobilized in coordination with the DOJ and the NBI to locate Dela Rosa and serve the warrant.
“Our mandate is clear but I am emphasizing to our personnel that operational discipline is paramount. There will be no shortcuts and every movement will be heavily aligned with existing protocols to protect constitutional rights and maintain public trust,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief stressed that all units involved in the operation must comply with existing police operational procedures, adding that any enforcement action must be conducted in a manner that preserves public confidence in law enforcement.