PNP Chief Plt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. – Photo courtesy of the Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) heightened monitoring at airports and seaports amid concerns that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa might attempt to leave the country following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said security units had been placed on alert to closely monitor exit points, including informal routes in the southern part of the country.
Philippine National Police (PNP) also mobilized personnel from its Maritime Group and Aviation Security Group to prevent any possible attempt by dela Rosa to evade authorities.
Dela Rosa is facing crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court in connection with the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which rights groups said left thousands dead.
The ICC confirmed the issuance of the arrest warrant on May 11, prompting local authorities to assess enforcement procedures.
Earlier, the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to serve the warrant but halted its move after the Senate placed dela Rosa under its custody.
A separate development saw the Supreme Court of the Philippines deny the senator’s petition seeking to stop the implementation of the ICC order.
Nartatez said the police were awaiting guidance from the Department of Justice (DOJ), noting that the PNP was not the sole decision-maker and that legal issues surrounding the warrant remained under review.
