The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday confirmed that tracker teams have been mobilized nationwide, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), to locate and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“[PNP chief Police General Jose Melencion Nartatez Jr.] also confirmed that tracker teams have been mobilized in coordination with the DOJ and the NBI to locate and serve the arrest warrant against the senator,” the PNP said in a statement.
Nartatez said he had issued clear instructions to all concerned police units to ensure that any operation against dela Rosa would strictly follow the rule of law and police procedures.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said it would utilize its units nationwide in the operation.
“Gagamitin namin ang buong unit ng CIDG for every region and every province kasi ganun naman po, in coordination with other police unit,” CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Alexander A. Morico II said.
Justice Secretary Frederick Vida on Thursday confirmed that the NBI, along with the PNP, may now enforce the ICC-issued arrest warrant against dela Rosa over his alleged role in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla also said on Thursday that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP would “follow the lead” of the DOJ regarding the implementation of the warrant.
Nartatez earlier directed authorities, including the Maritime Group, Aviation Security Group, and the Southern Task Force, to monitor the country’s exit points.
Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief under former president Rodrigo Duterte, was a key figure in the administration’s war on drugs. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.
The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity connected to the controversial anti-drug campaign, which drew criticism from human rights groups over thousands of deaths linked to police operations.
