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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bato warned of indirect contempt as CIDG issues subpoena amid drug war probe

Bato warned of indirect contempt as CIDG issues subpoena amid drug war probe

Published May 11, 2026 10:25 am
The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued on Monday morning, May 11, a subpoena to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the revived investigation into allegations of human rights abuses, including extra-judicial killings, in the conduct of drug war starting when he was still the chief of police of Davao City.
A copy of the subpoena signed by Police Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander AA Morico II, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), stated that Dela Rosa must appear before the Major Crimes Investigation Unit of the CIDG at Camp Crame on Thursday, May 14.
The subpoena is for Dela Rosa to “clarify matters, execute a sworn statement/affidavit, submit documents and/or other relevant information in connection with the subject investigation being conducted by this Group (CIDG).”
On Sunday, May 10, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the resumption of the investigation into the drug war abuses.
He said his order was triggered by reports of the issuance of arrest warrant against Dela Rosa was co-perpetrator in the crimes against humanity case now with former president Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court.
The ICC denied the issuance of arrest warrant against Dela Rosa and Remulla said they have neither seen or received either a copy of the arrest warrant of Interpol Red Notice against the senator.
He also clarified that the summon issued to Dela Rosa was only intended for him to shed light on the drug war.
“We cannot move forward as a country until there is a reconciliation of the truth of what happened in those years. So this is just the initial step in finding out of what really happened,” said Remulla in a press briefing at Camp Crame..
“It is also a strong message to the public that the Philippine National Police stands for accountability. There are no secret cows to them, and we are not protecting anyone,” he added.
Remulla would not say what would happen if Dela Rosa would snub the summons repeatedly.
But the subpoena issued by the CIDG read: “Failure to comply without adequate cause or valid justification shall be a ground for the filing of a case for Indirect Contempt of Court against you under Rule 71, /, Revised Rules of Court in relation to Section 1 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10973.”
The law cited refers to the power of the Chief PNP and officials of the CIDG to issue subpoena in the conduct of investigation and gathering of pieces of evidence.
At least three addresses of Dela Rosa were specified in the subpoena—his Senate office and two addresses in Davao region.

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PNP CIDG drug war Bato Dela Rosa
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