By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Tuesday challenged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to prioritize its duty to enforce the law over any personal loyalty to their former chief, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s drug war.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the arrest warrant against dela Rosa should not be disregarded because of his former position as PNP chief or his personal ties with police officials.
“Ang inyong mandato ay magpatupad ng batas, magpapatupad ng ibinibigay sa inyong order nang naaayon naman sa konstitusyon,” Usec. Castro said at a Palace briefing.
“May valid warrant of arrest, so hindi puwede na kayo ang magdesisyon kung huhulihin ninyo o hindi ninyo huhulihin si Senator Bato dela Rosa hindi dahil siya ay dati ninyong naging chief,” she added.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged that dela Rosa’s connections as a former PNP chief and Philippine Military Academy alumnus could complicate the manhunt.
Usec. Castro said Remulla’s observation should serve as a challenge to the DILG leadership, PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and the entire police force.
She expressed confidence in PGen. Nartatez Jr., saying his primary consideration should be his duty rather than personal friendships or alliances.
“Kilala po natin mismo si General Nartatez Jr. at alam natin na ang nangunguna sa kaniya ay ang kaniyang obligasyon, hindi ang kaniyang pakikipagkaibigan o pakikipag-alyado sa sinoman dapat na arestuhin,” she said.
Usec. Castro also challenged police officials not to betray Malacañang’s confidence in their ability to fulfill their mandate.
No frustrations yet
Asked whether President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had expressed frustration over the prolonged operation, Castro said he is not showing dissatisfaction as long as law enforcement authorities and DILG officials continue performing their duties.
“Ang mahirap lamang po diyan kung talagang makikita at mapapatunayan na mismong mga pulis ang nagkakanlong para hindi mahuli si Senator Bato dela Rosa,” Usec. Castro said.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant against Sec. dela Rosa under seal on Nov. 6, 2025, and unsealed it on May 11, 2026.
Sen. dela Rosa served as PNP chief from July 2016 to April 2018, during the period covered by the ICC allegations.
The DILG announced a P50-million reward for dela Rosa’s capture on Oct. 26 and said a dedicated task force had been organized to locate and arrest him.
