The Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed all law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), ordering the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to immediately enforce the directive.
DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida said Thursday that the order covers all concerned agencies tasked with implementing arrest operations.
“The Philippine law enforcement agencies, which would include the PNP and the NBI, are now tasked to effect the arrest,” Vida said during a press briefing.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag also confirmed compliance, stating that the bureau would act “without delay.”
“In carrying out the arrest, we will strictly abide by the rules and ensure it is done professionally, as we always do,” Matibag said.
“Fugitive Senator dela Rosa will be arrested whether he likes it or not because we have to implement the law without fear or favor,” he added.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, meanwhile, said the nationwide manhunt will involve all police units.
He noted that approximately 225,000 police personnel are expected to assist in locating the senator, while security units have been directed to monitor all entry and exit points in case of attempted departure from the country.
Authorities also said dela Rosa’s Senate protective custody has been rendered moot after he left the Senate premises, while the Supreme Court earlier denied his request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) that would have blocked enforcement of foreign or ICC-linked warrants without a Philippine court order.
The development follows the Supreme Court’s decision denying the senator’s plea for interim protection, allowing local enforcement agencies to proceed with implementation of the ICC warrant.
Dela Rosa has been linked to the International Criminal Court case involving alleged crimes connected to the previous administration’s war on drugs.
