PNP-CIDG to subpoena Bato over EJK probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will issue a subpoena today for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to appear before investigators in connection with extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

Speaking yesterday at Camp Crame, Remulla said the subpoena was part of an internal police investigation and not related to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“The CIDG will issue a subpoena tomorrow (Monday) to former PNP (Philippine National Police) chief Gen. Dela Rosa to appear personally before the CIDG office here in aid of investigation of the previous crimes,” Remulla said. “I repeat, this is not an arrest warrant for the senator and former chief of police.”

Remulla said Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan and Brig. Gen. Robert Morico of the CIDG would lead the task force handling the operation.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier disclosed preparations for contingency measures, including a 10,000-man task force, amid speculation over a possible ICC warrant against Dela Rosa.

However, Remulla clarified that the task force had already been dismantled after the ICC reportedly said there was no arrest warrant.

“What we have now is a subpoena for him, but not a manhunt,” he added.

The ICC earlier said there were no publicly released arrest warrants connected to developments in the Philippines amid rumors involving Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

Remulla said the renewed investigation stemmed from “rumors” surrounding a possible ICC red notice and the government’s decision to pursue its own inquiry.

“We are not a member of the ICC. We are not working with the ICC. It is purely an internal matter only,” he said.

Asked why the investigation was only being pursued now despite previous quad committee hearings in the House of Representatives, Remulla said authorities wanted to “debunk all the rumors” circulating online.

Remulla declined to say if other PNP officials during Duterte’s mayoralty in Davao City and as president of the country, will also be investigated.

“There are over a hundred cases. We will issue more subpoenas in the coming days,” he said.

The DILG chief said Dela Rosa remained in the Davao Region and that Police Regional Office 11 had been alerted regarding the subpoena.

“There will be no handcuffs. It is merely a subpoena for investigation, not an arrest warrant,” he added.

PNP: No ICC warrant

The PNP maintained that they have not received any arrest warrant for Dela Rosa from the ICC.

“The Philippine National Police is always ready to fulfill its mandate, but any of our actions will always be anchored on lawful orders, existing procedures and due process,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement yesterday.