Palace urges PNP to put duty before loyalty in hunt for Senator Bato dela Rosa

Malacañang challenged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to prioritize its duty to enforce the law over personal loyalty as authorities continue the search for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said police officers should not allow former ties or personal relationships to influence the implementation of a valid arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.

Castro issued the challenge after 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 efforts to locate and arrest him.

She stressed that police officers are mandated to carry out lawful orders and should not decide whether to enforce an arrest warrant based on friendship or past associations.

The Palace official also expressed confidence that PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and the police force would place their obligations above personal loyalties.

She said the true test for the police is whether they can fulfill their mandate despite Dela Rosa's longstanding ties to the organization.

Castro also said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not expressed frustration over the ongoing operation, noting that law enforcement authorities continue to perform their duties.

However, she warned that concerns would arise if it were proven that police personnel were helping Dela Rosa evade arrest.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier announced a P50-million reward for information leading to Dela Rosa's arrest and created a special task force to track down the senator after he failed to surrender voluntarily.