The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday assured the public that Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa will not receive special treatment amid concerns that some officers may go soft on the former PNP chief because of his long ties with the police organization.
In a news release, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed the organization remains bound by the law and by its mandate to serve the public without fear or favor.
“The Philippine National Police operate strictly on legal frameworks and our sworn oath to serve and protect, meaning no individual is above the law regardless of rank or title,” he said.
He assured that institutional respect for Dela Rosa as a former top cop would not affect the conduct of police personnel, stressing that all actions of the organization will remain guided by professionalism, impartiality and transparency.
Nartatez also directed all police units to strictly follow standard operating procedures in any operation related to Dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over the previous administration’s drug war.
He ordered commanders to avoid preferential treatment and prevent unauthorized disclosures that could compromise lawful procedures.
The PNP chief made the remarks after questions surfaced on whether police officers would strictly enforce legal procedures involving Dela Rosa because he once led the country’s police force and still commands respect within the institution.
“We expect all officers to uphold standard operating procedures without fear or favor, and we explicitly appeal to Senator Dela Rosa’s enduring sense of duty as a lifelong law enforcer to cooperate fully with the legal process,” Nartatez said.
“The eyes of the nation are on us, and the PNP will remain a professional, disciplined institution that honors the badge by executing its mandates with maximum restraint, strict adherence to human rights, and total accountability,” he said.
CIDG, NBI Search Bato’s Alleged Hideout
Meanwhile, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives on Wednesday morning searched a house in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga where Dela Rosa was allegedly hiding.
In a phone interview with reporters, Barangay Balibago chairman Joseph Ponce said authorities coordinated with him at around 5:30 a.m. before carrying out the operation at a house inside Diamond Subdivision owned by a certain Lakay Cariño, whom he identified as the maternal uncle of actor-turned-senator Robin Padilla.
Ponce said he immediately sent barangay officials, including village watchmen and barangay peacekeeping personnel to witness the operation.
According to Ponce, authorities allegedly based their suspicion on reports that Dela Rosa may have transferred to Cariño’s pickup truck after leaving the Senate on the dawn of May 14.
Investigators, however, failed to find Dela Rosa or the pickup vehicle at the residence.
Ponce said the situation remained peaceful during and after the operation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the operation or confirm whether the raid was connected to efforts to locate Dela Rosa.
Firearms Licenses
In another development, the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) has ordered the revocation and cancellation of the firearm licenses of Dela Rosa.
In a two-page order dated May 26, FEO chief Brig. Gen. Jojo Manalad said the measure is pursuant to Section 4 of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The order also stated that the 117 firearms registered under Dela Rosa’s name must be immediately confiscated or deposited to the Supply Accountable Officer of PNP-FEO for proper disposition.
“This Order of Revocation shall be immediately executory,” the order read. (PNA)