The Bureau of Immigration (BI) clarified that no hold departure order (HDO) has been issued against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and that only an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) is currently in place, according to BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval in an interview aired on DZRH.

Sandoval explained that under the existing lookout bulletin, immigration officers are not authorized to automatically stop a person from leaving the country unless a formal warrant of arrest or departure order is issued by the proper court or the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“So far po, ang naka-issue pa lang sa amin ay immigration lookout bulletin. Wala pa pong bagong departure order or warrant of arrest na ipinapadala sa amin,” Sandoval said.

She added that if a person under an ILBO is flagged at the airport, immigration personnel are required to immediately coordinate with law enforcement agencies for proper action.

“Our immigration officers are mandated to contact the appropriate law enforcement agencies para ma-inform sila na may attempt na umalis ng bansa,” she said.

Sandoval also clarified that the BI’s role is limited to monitoring and coordination, emphasizing that enforcement of arrest warrants remains with the issuing authorities.

“If there is a warrant or order, we wait for the appropriate government agency to implement it. We are duty-bound to coordinate,” she noted.

The BI official further explained that the lookout bulletin serves as a monitoring mechanism rather than a restriction order and does not in itself prevent international travel unless supported by a separate legal directive.

The clarification comes amid heightened public attention on the legal developments involving Sen. Dela Rosa, as authorities continue to coordinate on possible enforcement actions depending on future court or DOJ issuances.