DOJ ORDERS NBI, PNP TO ARREST SEN. ‘BATO’

PHILIPPINE authorities are now starting their search for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

This after the Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to proceed the serving of the warrant of arrest issued by the  International Criminal Court (ICC) against dela Rosa for the case of crimes against humanity.

“I would like to confirm, one, (that) the Philippine law enforcement agencies, which would include the PNP, the National Bureau of Investigation, are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Bato dela Rosa,” said acting DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida in a press conference on Thursday, May 21.

“Senator Bato is a fugitive from justice and he should be brought to the ICC  to face the charges before him,” Vida added.

The order came after the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday denied dela Rosa’s plea for a temporary restraining order (TRO).

“First, there’s a valid arrest warrant issued by the ICC. Second, he is not in the Senate premises. Third, there’s no TRO or any interim order from the Supreme Court. Fourth, the arrest warrant is now enforceable. So, it will be enforced, and it will be served,” Vida said.

The DOJ chief added that no shortcuts will be taken in serving the warrant.

“There’s coordination among the various law enforcement agencies. There are existing guidelines and standard operating procedures to effect the arrest, and all of this will be followed,” he added.

Dela Rosa has been named in the ICC charges for his part as PNP chief in the deadly campaign against illegal drugs of the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.