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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP mobilizes tracker teams for Bato's arrest, vows rights-based operations

PNP mobilizes tracker teams for Bato's arrest, vows rights-based operations

Published May 22, 2026 11:39 am  |  Updated May 22, 2026 01:42 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine National Police said it has deployed tracker teams to locate Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa after the Department of Justice ordered law enforcement agencies to serve an arrest warrant related to the International Criminal Court investigation into the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.
  • PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said any operation would strictly follow legal procedures, respect constitutional rights, and uphold human rights standards. He emphasized that police would act professionally, transparently, and without political bias.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo)
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday, May 22, it has mobilized tracker teams to locate Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa after the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered law enforcers to serve an arrest warrant tied to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the Duterte administration’s drug war.
Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said the operation would follow “strict operational procedures” and respect constitutional rights amid growing political tension over the ICC case.
“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 in a statement.
The remark came after the DOJ directed the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to arrest dela Rosa, a former PNP chief who became one of the central architects of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of killings during the crackdown. Dela Rosa has repeatedly defended the campaign, esaying he was prepared to face arrest if authorities enforced the warrant.
Nartatez said President Marcos Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla instructed police units to observe “maximum tolerance and professionalism” during the operation.
“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,” the PNP chief stressed.
He also sought to dispel concerns that politics could influence the arrest of a sitting senator allied with former president Duterte.
“We will perform our legal duty professionally and without political bias, ensuring that the process remains dignified and secure for all parties involved,” Nartatez said.
“Our mandate is clear but I am emphasizing to our personnel that operational discipline is paramount. There will be no shortcuts and every movement will be heavily aligned with existing protocols to protect constitutional rights and maintain public trust,” he added.

Related Tags

PNP Senator Ronald \"Bato\" Dela Rosa ICC arrest warrant
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