DOJ orders arrest on Bato

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:01]The Department of Justice, DOJ, [music] has directed all law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police, PNP, [music] and the National Bureau of Investigation, NBI, to enforce the International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa. The charges are for crimes against humanity connected to the Duterte administration's drug war. DOJ Secretary Frederick "Dick" Vida explained that the order is based on four main reasons.

[00:00:29]First, the ICC arrest warrant is still valid. Second, dela Rosa is no longer under Senate protective custody. Third, the Supreme Court denied his request for a temporary restraining order. Fourth, the government believes the ICC warrant [music] can be enforced under Philippine law. DOJ spokesperson Rafael Martinez said the high court's decision allows authorities to proceed with the arrest.

[00:00:53]After the order, Interior Secretary John "Dick" Remulla said the full police force [music] of 225,000 officers could be mobilized to locate [music] and arrest dela Rosa. And PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said police are now watching airports, seaports, [music] and other exit points. The NBI also warned that trying to leave the country may not work because many countries work with the ICC.