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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Safe na ba?' Bato finds refuge in 'established protocols', due process amid ICC arrest warrant

'Safe na ba?' Bato finds refuge in 'established protocols', due process amid ICC arrest warrant

PNP takes safest route in dealing with former boss

Published May 12, 2026 10:37 am
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on May 11, 2026, unseals the arrest warrant confidentially issued against Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa on Nov. 6, 2025. Dela Rosa resurfaced at the Senate on May 11, 2026, after not showing up since November 2025. (Dhel Nazario/ICC)
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on May 11, 2026, unseals the arrest warrant confidentially issued against Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa on Nov. 6, 2025. Dela Rosa resurfaced at the Senate on May 11, 2026, after not showing up since November 2025. (Dhel Nazario/ICC)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is taking the safest route in dealing with the arrest of its former chief and now Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Despite the confirmation of the arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC), the PNP, in its statement, said it has not received any official communication or lawful directive from the appropriate government authorities regarding the matter.
“The PNP emphasizes that any report regarding an alleged ICC warrant remains subject to existing laws, due process, and proper coordination with the concerned government agencies and relevant international law enforcement mechanisms,” the statement read.
On Monday, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV went to the Senate and showed a copy of the ICC arrest warrant against Dela Rosa for a case of crimes against humanity.
Trillanes said that his presence in the Senate was in response to Dela Rosa’s tough talk challenging him to accompany those who would arrest him in connection with the ICC arrest warrant.
Dela Rosa was later seen in the Senate CCTV running away from NBI agents who were about to arrest him.
Later, the ICC confirmed that it indeed issued the arrest warrant shown by Trillanes which was forwarded to the NBI.
NBI director Melvin Matibag, following a meeting with the Senate leadership after the tension in the Senate, later conceded to honoring the protection given by the Senate to Dela Rosa.
Despite the ICC warrant confirmation, “the PNP statement said police will remain prepared to act in accordance with lawful directives and established procedures, while continuing coordination with the appropriate authorities on the matter.”
But what the proper procedures it wants were met?
Then the PNP will implement the appropriate contingency plans and necessary operational measures but in accordance with due process and established protocols, according to PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño.
That established protocol includes proper coordination with the National Central Bureau, which serves as the liaison between Philippine authorities and the Interpol, as well as the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), a government agency tasked to formulate and implement strategies against transnational crime.
“The PNP remains guided by existing laws and lawful directives in relation to the reported ICC warrant confirmation,” said Tuaño.

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PNP Bato Dela Rosa ICC arrest warrant due process
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