Authorities in the Davao Region have officially denied issuing any directive to monitor the movements of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa. This statement comes as speculation intensifies regarding a potential arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the former national police chief.
Police Clarify Stance on Senator's Whereabouts
In a media interview held on January 5, 2025, at SM City Davao, PRO-Davao spokesperson Police Major Catherine Dela Rey addressed the circulating rumors. She explicitly stated that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has not ordered any surveillance operation targeting the senator.
"As to his whereabouts, we have not conducted any investigation into where he goes. What we know is that he has a residence here in Davao," Dela Rey clarified. She emphasized that the regional police office stands ready to provide security assistance should Senator Dela Rosa request protection for his activities.
Despite persistent reports about an alleged ICC warrant, Dela Rey confirmed that PRO-Davao has received no official order related to the matter. Senator Dela Rosa, who served as Davao City Police Office chief from 2012 to 2013 and later as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018, has been absent from Senate plenary sessions since November 2025.
Contradictory Reports from National Officials
The regional police statement appears to contrast with earlier remarks from a national cabinet official. On December 11, 2025, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated in a national media interview that authorities had tracked Dela Rosa's presence in six different locations over a three-week period.
However, Secretary Remulla was quick to clarify that the senator is not considered a fugitive or a wanted person. He advised that authorities must "play it fair and play it cool," noting that law enforcement agencies are monitoring developments while awaiting a judicial ruling on the existence of any warrant.
Legal Hurdles and Constitutional Questions
The situation is further complicated by legal opinions on the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines. Lawyer Israelito Torreon has argued that the ICC cannot enforce an arrest against Dela Rosa because the country lacks a domestic legal procedure for carrying out ICC surrender requests.
Torreon contends that only the Supreme Court can resolve the constitutional questions surrounding the alleged warrant. The accusations against Dela Rosa are tied to his role as PNP chief and chief implementer of the government's controversial anti-illegal drugs campaign from 2016 to 2018, during which he faces allegations of crimes against humanity.
The conflicting narratives between regional police assurances and national-level tracking reports highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding this high-profile case. All parties involved now await further legal clarification as the political and judicial drama continues to unfold.
