Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. assured that any operation to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa will adhere to due process, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. This statement came in response to reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against the senator. Nartatez emphasized that the PNP will act only on lawful orders from competent authorities and in compliance with existing laws and procedures. Coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other agencies is ongoing to ensure consistency with legal and operational protocols. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that while no confirmation of the ICC warrant has been received, 10,000 police personnel are on standby to locate dela Rosa once a warrant is issued. Dela Rosa, who has been absent from Senate sessions since November 2025, faces allegations related to his role in the “war on drugs” during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Duterte, set to face ICC trial, is accused alongside dela Rosa and others, including Senators Lawrence Go and Vicente Danao, of crimes against humanity. Other named co-perpetrators include Camilo Cascolan, Oscar Albayalde, Dante Gierran, Isidro Lapeña, and Vitaliano Aguirre II. The ICC document also implicates other PNP members and high-ranking officials.
