Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday called on Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to honor the “badge and uniform” he once wore as authorities continue efforts to locate him in connection with an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
“Our ranks maintain an institutional respect for Senator Bato as our former head of the PNP and it is precisely that shared respect for the badge that guides our approach,” Nartatez said in a statement, stressing that police operations remain guided by restraint and professionalism.
The PNP chief said law enforcement units remain committed to monitoring Dela Rosa’s whereabouts while maintaining respect for human rights standards and operational protocols.
“We are appealing to Senator Bato’s enduring sense of duty as a lifelong law enforcer to ensure this legal process is resolved with the utmost dignity,” he added.
Nartatez also directed regional and local police units to avoid escalation and exercise maximum restraint should officers encounter the senator.
“Senator Bato knows better than anyone the weight of the uniform and the oath our officers take to uphold the law,” he said. “Just as our men and women in uniform honor his legacy as their former top cop, we ask that he honor their current duty by cooperating fully.”
Earlier reports cited officials describing Dela Rosa as “presumed armed and dangerous” due to his law enforcement background and access to firearms, though the PNP reiterated that all ground actions must remain within legal and rights-based standards.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018 under former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing an ICC arrest warrant for crimes against humanity linked to the administration’s anti-drug campaign. He was under Senate protective custody until he left the Senate premises around 2:30 a.m. on May 14.
