At least 10,000 policemen will be mobilized for various strategic operations in anticipation of the issuance of the arrest warrant against former national police chief and now Sen. Ronald ‘Bato” dela Rosa by the International Criminal Court (ICC), a top government official said on Saturday, May 9.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said the latest information they received was that Dela Rosa is hiding within the Davao Region.

“We are waiting for the official copy,” Remulla told the Manila Bulletin when asked if the they already verified the existence of any ICC arrest warrant.

Dela Rosa is a co-accused of former president Rodrigo Duterte in the case of crimes against humanity filed in connection with the drug war that left more than 6,000 illegal drugs personalities dead in police operations, and thousands more at the hands of drug war-inspired vigilante groups.

The casualty figures did not include hundreds of children and innocent civilians who were caught in the alleged crossfire between the policemen and drug war suspects-- based on the nanlaban (the suspect shot it out with policemen) narrative of the police during that time. 

Investigation and some court decisions earlier disclosed that some of the casualties were executed, and that the illegal drugs and guns seized were planted. 

Duterte, who was flown to the Hague, Netherlands in March last year, is now facing trial after the IICC confirmed the charges of crimes against humanity in relation to the drug war.

Remulla earlier said that they still have no information on the supposed issuance of the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, who was tagged by critics as the architect and chief implementor of the six-year drug war during the Duterte administration when he was still the PNP chief. 

In a text message to the Manila Bulletin, Remulla said the DILG is now preparing in case an arrest warrant is confirmed to have been issued already, “We are preparing to mobilize 10,000 personnel.”

In hiding

Since rumors of ICC arrest warrant started last year, Dela Rosa has not been attending sessions and activities in the Senate. 

This triggered an ethics complaint and widespread call for '"no work, no pay" policy for Dela Rosa who continuously receive hundred of thousands in salary and other perks on a monthly basis.

Adherence to due process

In a statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said any appropriate police action on possible contingency measures in connection with reports of an arrest warrant against its former chief shall be undertaken with full adherence to due process, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.

“The PNP emphasizes that it acts only upon lawful orders issued by competent authorities and in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures,” it said in a statement.

“The PNP assures the public that professionalism, prudence, maximum tolerance, and accountability shall guide all its actions at all times,” it added.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr, said they continue to coordinate closely with the DILG and other concerned government agencies.

The intention, he said, is to ensure that all actions remain consistent with established legal and operational protocols.

“We likewise urge the public to exercise discernment and to refrain from spreading unverified information circulating online. The public is encouraged to rely only on official statements issued by authorized government agencies,” the PNP statement read.