The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a formal statement on Saturday, May 9, 2026, affirming that it will act only upon lawful orders from competent authorities and in strict adherence to due process, amid growing media attention over reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may have issued an arrest warrant involving Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.
The statement, attributed to PNP Chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., came in response to reports quoting Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, who had reportedly discussed possible contingency measures in connection with the alleged ICC warrant.
PNP Acknowledges Media Reports on ICC Warrant
In its official statement, the PNP said it "takes note of recent media reports regarding statements made by 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 police institution stopped short of confirming or denying the existence of any such warrant, nor did it provide specifics on what contingency measures, if any, had been discussed or planned. The statement focused instead on reasserting the institution's commitment to operating within legal bounds.
Senator dela Rosa, a former PNP chief himself, has been a central figure in the ICC's preliminary examination of the Philippine government's drug war campaign, which was launched under former President Rodrigo Duterte. The ICC investigation has been a source of significant political tension in the Philippines over the past several years.
PNP Chief Reaffirms Due Process and Rule of Law
PNP Chief General Nartatez Jr. stressed in the statement that "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 statement underscored the PNP's position that it remains a law-enforcement institution bound by existing laws, rules, and established operational protocols — not by political considerations or public pressure.
"The PNP assures the public that professionalism, prudence, maximum tolerance, and accountability shall guide all its actions at all times," the statement read.
The use of the phrase "maximum tolerance" is notable, as it is a standard doctrine applied by Philippine law enforcement during sensitive or high-profile operations, signaling the PNP's intent to avoid unnecessary escalation in handling any developments related to the reported warrant.
Coordination With DILG and Government Agencies Ongoing
According to the official statement, the PNP is "continuing to coordinate closely with the DILG and other concerned government agencies" to ensure that all actions remain consistent with legal and operational guidelines.
The mention of the DILG is significant, as the department serves as the PNP's supervising body under the executive branch. Secretary Remulla's earlier reported statements about contingency planning suggest that discussions are already underway at the cabinet level regarding the legal and logistical implications of a potential ICC arrest warrant being served on Philippine soil.
The PNP did not name any other specific government agencies involved in the coordination, nor did it provide a timeline or outline what the contingency plans might entail.
Public Warned Against Spreading Unverified Information
A notable portion of the PNP's statement was directed at the public, with the institution urging Filipinos 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 statement read.
This advisory reflects growing concern within official circles over the volume of speculation and unconfirmed reports circulating on social media platforms regarding the ICC warrant, the status of Senator dela Rosa, and the possible government response. Misinformation during politically sensitive events has previously complicated law enforcement operations and inflamed public sentiment.
ICC Investigation Into Philippine Drug War
The ICC's scrutiny of the Philippines dates back to the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, during whose term thousands of individuals were killed in a government-declared war on drugs. The ICC formally authorized an investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings in connection with the anti-drug campaign in September 2021.
Senator dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018, was the primary implementor of the anti-drug campaign during the early years of the Duterte administration. He has faced international scrutiny for his role in the crackdown and has previously been subject to international travel restrictions, including a reported denial of a visa to travel to the United States.
The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute — the founding treaty of the ICC — in March 2019 under the Duterte administration, a move the government argued stripped the ICC of jurisdiction over the country. The ICC, however, has maintained that it retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed while the Philippines was still a member state.
The current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a more ambiguous stance on engagement with the ICC compared to its predecessor, neither fully cooperating nor formally rejoining the court.
Dela Rosa's Political Standing and Public Profile
Senator dela Rosa remains an active member of the Philippine Senate and has been a vocal figure in legislative debates. His potential legal exposure through the ICC proceedings has been a consistent point of discussion in both political and legal circles.
As of the publication of this report, Senator dela Rosa had not issued a formal public response to the latest developments regarding the reported arrest warrant. No official confirmation from the ICC or the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs had been made publicly available as of May 9, 2026.
PNP's Mandate and Institutional Commitment Restated
In closing its statement, the PNP reiterated its broader institutional mandate, stating that it "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 statement was issued under the authority of PNP Chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and is considered an official public communication from the national police institution.
The developments are expected to continue drawing significant public and media attention in the coming days, particularly as more information emerges about the reported ICC warrant and the government's official legal position in response to it.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Philippine National Police / PNP Public Information Office