The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that it remains on high alert and is closely coordinating with other law enforcement agencies following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may soon issue additional arrest warrants involving individuals in the Philippines.
PNP Chief Emphasizes Due Process
In a statement, PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. underscored that the police force continues to base its actions on due process and existing legal procedures amid discussions over potential new ICC actions. “We remain fully committed to our mandate of upholding the rule of law, including the enforcement of any legal orders. As officers of the law, this is our sworn duty,” Nartatez said.
Coordination with Other Agencies
The PNP chief confirmed that the police organization is maintaining coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation and other concerned agencies in anticipation of possible legal developments that may require joint operations. This proactive stance comes after Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that Malacañang wants any forthcoming ICC warrants enforced “at the soonest possible time,” particularly following a recent decision by the Supreme Court on the case of Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
Nartatez emphasized that police personnel would only act on lawful orders issued by proper authorities and in accordance with established protocols. “Our personnel will only act upon orders issued by proper authorities, ensuring that they are in accordance with existing rules and protocols,” he said.
Operational Readiness
Nartatez noted that the PNP’s operational readiness is based on formal procedures and inter-agency coordination rather than speculation. “The police force will continue to coordinate with other relevant law enforcement agencies regarding the matter. The PNP is always ready for such situations,” he added.
Background on ICC Warrants
The Supreme Court earlier denied the petition of Dela Rosa to prevent his arrest in relation to the arrest warrant issued against him by the ICC, which tagged him as a co-perpetrator of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte has been detained in The Hague in relation to the alleged crime against humanity of murder during the implementation of his drug war.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier stated that the ICC is also expected to issue an arrest warrant against Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. Trillanes claimed that ICC prosecutors recognized Go’s role as the distributor of rewards for every execution during the drug war, as well as for serving as the purported leader of the “Special Operations Group” within Duterte's “National Death Squad.”
