PNP to perform due process on arrest of Bato

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will perform due process following the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) green light on law enforcement agencies to effect the arrest of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. “The Philippine National Police (PNP) takes note of the directive issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) directing the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to effect the warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa,” PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement. Nartatez said the PNP respects the process of the judicial system and recognizes the authority of competent government agencies in the implementation of lawful orders. “As a law enforcement agency, the PNP shall perform its mandate in accordance with existing laws, due process, and established operational procedures,” Narratez said. Earlier, DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the PNP to enforce dela Rosa’s arrest after the Supreme Court denied the senator’s request to block the implementation of the ICC warrant. The PNP also assured the public that “all actions undertaken shall remain impartial, professional, and within the bounds of the law, with full respect for the constitutional rights of all parties concerned.” The PNP and even Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said they cannot arrest Dela Rosa since they do not have a copy of the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. However in today’s earlier briefing, the PNP said they were only awaiting for the DOJ’s order before making any action. Shortly after, the DOJ instructed both NBI and PNP to effect the warrant. PBGen. Randulf T. Tuaño however clarified that the PNP will only be providing assistance to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Manila who is the primary agency tasked to perform the arrest. “The only role that the PNP and the NBI will play is to assist Interpol Manila. So purely assistance and PNP-CIDG and NBI to Interpol Manila, they will be the ones to implement if there is a warrant," Tuaño said.

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