By Brian Campued
“We’re pursuing this so that the ends of justice may be achieved.”
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has given the greenlight for law enforcement agencies to enforce the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the war on drugs of the Duterte administration.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida made the directive following the Supreme Court’s rejection of Dela Rosa’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or status quo ante order against the enforcement of the ICC warrant against him.
“The Philippine law enforcement agencies, which would include the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Bato dela Rosa,” Vida said in a press conference Thursday.
“Senator Bato is a fugitive from justice, and he should be brought to the ICC to face the charges before him,” he added.
While the SC has yet to issue its final ruling on the embattled senator’s main petition challenging the merits of the warrant, Vida explained that they are effecting the arrest as there is a valid arrest order from the ICC.
Aside from this, the DOJ chief noted that Dela Rosa is not in the Senate premises anymore, there is no TRO or any interim relief order from the high court, and that the arrest warrant “is now enforceable.”
He also warned of “consequences” for those who will be found helping Dela Rosa evade the law.
“Alam natin na sa panuntunan ng rule of law, may pananagutan. ‘Di lamang po sa mata ng batas ng Pilipinas, pati rin po sa batas ng ICC,” Vida said.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said that the vehicle carrying Dela Rosa and Padilla headed toward Makati City, however, their exact destination remains unknown.
While already under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO), the DOJ said that a Hold Departure Order (HDO) cannot be issued against the senator because there are no charges filed against him in a local court.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was tagged as an “indirect co-perpetrator” in the crimes against humanity case of the ex-chief executive.
The PNP, for its part, said that it “takes note” of the DOJ’s directive, adding that it “respects the processes of the justice system and recognizes the authority of competent government agencies in the implementation of lawful orders.”
“As a law enforcement agency, the PNP shall perform its mandate in accordance with existing laws, due process, and established operational procedures,” PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
“The PNP likewise assures the public that all actions undertaken shall remain impartial, professional, and within the bounds of the law, with full respect for the constitutional rights of all parties concerned.”
NBI Director Melvin Matibag likewise assured that the order to arrest Dela Rosa will be carried out “without delay.”
“We will strictly abide by the rules and ensure it is done professionally, as we always do,” Matibag said. “Fugitive Senator Dela Rosa will be arrested whether he likes it or not because we have to implement the law without fear or favor.”
Meanwhile, Malacañang vowed that legal action in accordance with the law will be taken and that justice will be served.
“Maliwanag ang sinabi ng DOJ na enforceable ang warrant of arrest laban kay Sen. Bato. Karampatang aksyon ng naaayon sa batas ang maaasahan mula sa gobyerno. Lahat ay gagawin ng ating mga opisyal para maibigay ang hustisya sa lahat,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a message to reporters. (with report RR Tubice and Kenneth Paciente / PTV News)
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