The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it will comply with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) directive to arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the implementation of an arrest warrant.
In a message to the PNP Press Corps, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Philippine National Police (PNP) would follow the instruction issued by Justice Secretary Frederick Vida regarding the arrest of the senator.
Remulla had earlier said that 10,000 police officers were prepared for operations involving dela Rosa. However, he later stated that the entire PNP force, equivalent to about 225,000 personnel, would be involved in efforts to locate the senator.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization would carry out its mandate as a law enforcement agency in accordance with existing laws, due process, and established operational procedures.
Nartatez also assured the public that all actions undertaken by the PNP would remain fair, professional, and within the bounds of the law while respecting the constitutional rights of all parties involved.
The PNP has likewise alerted its Maritime Group and Aviation Security Group against any possible attempt by dela Rosa to leave the country.
According to Nartatez, coordination with the Bureau of Immigration has so far shown no record indicating that the senator has departed the Philippines.
Police units were also instructed to strengthen intelligence monitoring and surveillance at all exit points nationwide, including the country’s southern backdoor routes.
The development followed the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss a request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that sought to block the implementation of the arrest warrant.
Prior to this, the DOJ directed the PNP to enforce the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against dela Rosa.
