By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday urged Senator Ronald dela Rosa to honor the badge and uniform he used to wear amid operations to track him down.
In a statement, Nartatez said the PNP remains committed to handling efforts to locate him with restraint and professionalism, saying police officers continue to hold deep respect for the senator because of his years of service as the country’s top cop.
“Our ranks maintain an institutional respect for Senator Bato as our former head of the PNP and it is precisely that shared respect for the badge that guides our approach,” Nartatez said.
The PNP continues to coordinate with other law enforcement units to monitor Dela Rosa’s whereabouts amid his arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.
“We are appealing to Senator Bato’s enduring sense of duty as a lifelong law enforcer to ensure this legal process is resolved with the utmost dignity,” said Nartatez.
Reports earlier quoted officials as saying that the senator should be considered “presumed armed and dangerous” due to his law enforcement background and firearm access.
The PNP, however, emphasized that all actions on the ground must remain within operational protocols and human rights standards.
Nartatez directed regional and local police units to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unnecessary escalation in the event officers encounter the senator.
“Senator Bato knows better than anyone the weight of the uniform and the oath our officers take to uphold the law. Just as our men and women in uniform honor his legacy as their former top cop, we ask that he honor their current duty by cooperating fully,” he said.
Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity in connection with the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
He served as PNP chief under former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term from 2016 to 2018, was under Senate protective custody until he left the Senate premises around 2:30 a.m. on May 14. (PNA)
