It is in relation to his participation in the bloody drug war of the Duterte administration.
On Saturday, May 9, news broke that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrant against incumbent Senator and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa.
The policeman-turned-politician, who has been hiding from public view since November 2025, is linked to the crimes against humanity case of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now awaiting the start of his trial before the ICC after his charges were confirmed last April.
According to reports, the ICC has issued the warrant and has furnished a copy to the International Police Organization (Interpol), who will implement the order.
In response to these, Secretary of Interior and Local Government (SILG) Jonvic Remulla said that they have not received a copy of the order yet, and told that it is “hearsay” at this point in time.
“None yet to my information,” he told reporters, adding that the department arrived to them Saturday morning.
Although, Remulla confirmed that tge Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will form a 10,000-strong task force once the arrest warrant for Dela Rosa has been confirmed.
“As of latest update, the DILG is preparing a 10k task force for the dragnet operations in case a warrant of arrest for Senator Bato is issued,” said the secretary, who also mentioned that the senator is in an undisclosed place in the Davao Region in southern Philippines.
Meanwhile, the PNP, under the leadership of its chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. sakd ghat they have “taken note” of ghe reports, as well as the statements made by Remulla.
“The PNP emphasizes that it acts only upon lawful orders issued by competent authorities and in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures,” the police force told.
“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 said that it continues to coordinate closely with the DILG and other concerned government agencies to ensure that all actions will be 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,” it furthered.
They also urged the public to exercise discernment and to refrain from spreading unverified information circulating online and to rely only on official statements issued by authorized government agencies.
Lastly, it concluded by saying, “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.”
At present, the camp of Senator Dela Rosa has not yet issued any official statement regarding the supposed issuance of am arrest warrant against him, as of this writing.