The Philippine National Police (PNP) has called on Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, its former chief, to cooperate and ensure a peaceful outcome as authorities move to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him.In a statement released on Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.appealed to the senator’s long-standing identity as a law enforcer, urging him to honour the duties and values he once upheld as head of the police force.He emphasized that police operations are being conducted with professionalism, respect, and adherence to human rights standards.

According to the PNP, tracker teams have already been deployed to locate and serve the warrant on Dela Rosa, who has reportedly been out of public view for months and remains subject to an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order.

The police force is coordinating closely with the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation to ensure proper enforcement procedures are followed.Authorities also stressed that maximum restraint has been ordered among field units to avoid escalation and maintain public order.

The ICC warrant is linked to alleged crimes against humanity involving murder tied to anti-drug operations between July 2016 and April 2018, a period when at least 32 deaths were cited in relation to the case.

Dela Rosa’s camp has previously argued that while they acknowledge the existence of the warrant, they do not consider it enforceable within the Philippines.Despite this, the ICC has listed him as “at large” on its official roster of accused individuals.The PNP maintains that it is handling the situation strictly by protocol and remains hopeful for a peaceful and orderly resolution.