THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed and announced that it has directed all law enforcement agencies to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, following the Supreme Court’s decision not to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that would have prevented his apprehension.
The action comes after the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) was declared valid and enforceable under existing legal guidelines.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated that both the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been instructed to serve the warrant, noting that Dela Rosa is considered a co‑perpetrator in cases involving crimes against humanity.
Vida also issued a strong warning to anyone found sheltering, hiding, or assisting the senator in evading authorities, emphasizing that such acts carry serious legal consequences. “Under the rule of law, accountability must prevail — not only under Philippine laws but also under the statutes of the ICC,” he stressed.
While assuring the public that the legal process will be respected, Vida clarified that Dela Rosa’s rights will be protected and properly recognized even by the ICC once he is taken into custody. Although the DOJ did not disclose the senator’s exact whereabouts, Vida confirmed that authorities already have solid leads and information regarding his location, and are acting swiftly to implement the order. He added that the arrest should be carried out as soon as possible.
The Justice chief also made clear that the operation is not classified as a manhunt, but merely the enforcement of a valid arrest warrant issued by the international court. Once arrested, Dela Rosa will be held in custody temporarily in the Philippines, but will eventually be turned over to the ICC to face charges linked to the thousands of deaths recorded during the anti‑illegal drugs campaign implemented under the previous administration.
