Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that Senator Ronald dela Rosa had asked about the possibility of being placed under police custody during their meeting at the Senate on May 13 amid the looming implementation of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to Nartatez, Dela Rosa inquired where he could seek custody or protection if needed, prompting the PNP chief to assure him that he would be safe under police custody.

“Sinabi niya kung saan siya pwedeng magpa-custody or such a thing, and I hurriedly replied that, well, Philippine National Police ay safe sya don,” Nartatez said in an interview.

However, the PNP chief clarified that once Dela Rosa formally seeks protective custody from the police, it would effectively be treated as a surrender and would lead to his arrest under the ICC warrant.

“Seeking protective custody is meaning that is surrender,” Nartatez explained when asked whether such an arrangement would still be possible now that the warrant has already been issued.

The PNP also assured the public that any action against the senator would strictly follow legal procedures and due process. Authorities said enforcement operations would be carried out in accordance with existing laws, protocols, and directives from the Department of Justice.

The development comes after the Supreme Court denied Dela Rosa’s petition seeking to block the implementation of the ICC warrant, clearing the way for law enforcement agencies to proceed with possible arrest operations