Tension Rises After PNP Responds To ICC Arrest Warrant Reports On Bato dela Rosa
BATO DELA ROSA – The Philippine National Police has finally addressed circulating reports about an alleged ICC arrest warrant involving Sen. Bato dela Rosa.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued an official statement regarding reports about possible contingency measures tied to an alleged arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Ronald dela Rosa, more popularly known as Sen. Bato dela Rosa.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 9, the PNP said it is taking note of media reports concerning remarks made by Jonvic Remulla, secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), about possible actions that may be undertaken in relation to the issue.
However, the national police organization clarified that it will only act based on lawful orders issued by competent authorities and in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures. The PNP stressed that any police action, should it become necessary, would be carried out with full adherence to due process, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
The agency also emphasized that it continues to coordinate closely with the DILG and other concerned government agencies to ensure that all operational and legal protocols are properly followed. According to the PNP, maintaining professionalism, prudence, maximum tolerance, and accountability will remain their guiding principles in handling any situation connected to the controversy.
The statement came amid growing discussions online and in the media surrounding the possibility of an ICC arrest warrant against dela Rosa, who previously served as chief of the PNP during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The ICC has long been linked to investigations involving the controversial anti-drug campaign conducted during Duterte’s presidency.
At the same time, the PNP appealed to the public to remain cautious and avoid spreading unverified information on social media and other online platforms. Citizens were advised to rely only on official announcements coming from authorized government agencies.
The statement was signed by Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to preserving peace and order while enforcing the law with integrity, professionalism, and fairness.
Here is the full official statement from the PNP:
“The Philippine National Police (PNP) takes note of recent media reports regarding statements made by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla on possible contingency measures in connection with reports of an arrest warrant allegedly issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) involving Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.”
“The PNP emphasizes that it acts only upon lawful orders issued by competent authorities and in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures.”
“Any appropriate police action, if and when necessary, shall be undertaken with full adherence to due process, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.”
“The PNP also continues to coordinate closely with the DILG and other concerned government agencies to ensure that all actions remain consistent with established legal and operational protocols.”
“The PNP assures the public that professionalism, prudence, maximum tolerance, and accountability shall guide all its actions at all times.”
“We likewise urge the public to exercise discernment and to refrain from spreading unverified information circulating online. The public is encouraged to rely only on official statements issued by authorized government agencies.”
“The PNP remains committed to its mandate of upholding the rule of law, maintaining peace and order, and serving the Filipino people with integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.”
“The Philippine National Police (PNP) takes note of recent media reports regarding statements made by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla on possible contingency measures in connection with reports of an arrest warrant allegedly issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) involving Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.”
“The PNP emphasizes that it acts only upon lawful orders issued by competent authorities and in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures.”
“Any appropriate police action, if and when necessary, shall be undertaken with full adherence to due process, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.”
“The PNP also continues to coordinate closely with the DILG and other concerned government agencies to ensure that all actions remain consistent with established legal and operational protocols.”
“The PNP assures the public that professionalism, prudence, maximum tolerance, and accountability shall guide all its actions at all times.”
“We likewise urge the public to exercise discernment and to refrain from spreading unverified information circulating online. The public is encouraged to rely only on official statements issued by authorized government agencies.”
“The PNP remains committed to its mandate of upholding the rule of law, maintaining peace and order, and serving the Filipino people with integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.”
In a document released by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on February 13, 2026, the names of Ronald dela Rosa, his fellow senator Christopher Lawrence Go, and others were directly mentioned as alleged co-perpetrators of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the bloody war on drugs.
According to the said document, Duterte, Dela Rosa, Go, and other alleged co-perpetrators were said to have agreed on a “Common Plan” aimed at “neutralizing” or eliminating alleged criminals in the Philippines.
READ ALSO: Robin Padilla Stands Firm for Bato dela Rosa, Says Surrender Means Betraying Andres Bonifacio
