The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) maintains that they carried out search operations against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa with the proper warrant of arrest. CIDG Director Robert Alexander Morico II asserted that they are ready to present the warrant if required. Morico also confirmed that the arrest order they hold originates from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The CIDG chief stated that local officials and the homeowners themselves fully cooperated during the operation.
Allegations of Warrantless Entry
Morico made the statement after Nancy dela Rosa, the senator's wife, made public a friend's post questioning the authorities' entry into private properties without a warrant. According to the post, when joint operatives of the CIDG and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) were asked if they had a warrant, they allegedly replied that “it was not necessary.”
Morico expressed high respect for Mrs. Dela Rosa and understood her emotions as a wife. However, he emphasized that local officials and homeowners can attest that the authorities acted professionally. He added that if any protocol violations occurred, a formal complaint could be filed with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) or the Internal Affairs Service (IAS).
Details of the Operations
On Wednesday, the CIDG and NBI simultaneously launched four operations: two in Parañaque City, one in Bulacan, and one in Pampanga, all aimed at locating the senator. According to the CIDG Director, these locations were searched because they are known to be connected to the senator and believed to be his hiding places.
Morico remains tight-lipped about whether there were indications that Dela Rosa had been at those locations, as the investigation continues. He also declined to answer whether the houses belonged to former police officials or former congressmen, instead thanking those who opened their doors to them.
