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DOJ Warns Bato Against Leaving PH Amid ICC Warrant
Photo courtesy from PNA
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa may be arrested if he attempts to leave the Philippines after the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him is valid.
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced on Friday that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) had already been issued against Dela Rosa, with notices sent to border control authorities nationwide to monitor the senator’s movements.
Vida said the DOJ would treat any attempt by Dela Rosa to leave the country as a mockery of justice and directed authorities to make an arrest if the senator tries to flee abroad.
The DOJ chief also confirmed that the Philippines has officially received the ICC’s pending request to serve the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. The senator is facing allegations of crimes against humanity connected to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign during his time as Philippine National Police chief.
Despite the warning, Vida clarified that there is currently no order for a manhunt operation against Dela Rosa. He explained that the DOJ respects the Senate as a co-equal branch of government and is waiting for developments in the pending Supreme Court case involving the senator.
Vida said the situation would become different if Dela Rosa attempts to leave the Philippines while legal proceedings are ongoing.
The DOJ also acknowledged the Senate’s decision to place Dela Rosa under protective custody following the tense incident inside the Senate complex earlier this week.
The controversy intensified after reports of gunfire and chaos erupted during attempts by authorities to serve the ICC warrant inside the Senate building. Dela Rosa later reportedly managed to leave the premises amid the confusion, triggering criticism from several groups and lawmakers. (theguardian.com)
Vida said the DOJ would create a special panel of prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the Senate incident. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms has been ordered to submit reports, CCTV footage, and other evidence related to the disturbance.
When asked whether Senator Robin Padilla would also be investigated over allegations that he helped Dela Rosa leave the Senate, Vida said he would not preempt the findings of the special panel.
The justice secretary also defended National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, saying there is no reason to suspend him over the incident and noting that such authority does not fall under the DOJ secretary.
Vida added that the DOJ is open to arranging protective custody for Dela Rosa should the senator request it.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa’s camp continues to seek relief from the Supreme Court by asking for a temporary restraining order against the ICC warrant. As of Friday, no TRO has been issued.
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced on Friday that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) had already been issued against Dela Rosa, with notices sent to border control authorities nationwide to monitor the senator’s movements.
Vida said the DOJ would treat any attempt by Dela Rosa to leave the country as a mockery of justice and directed authorities to make an arrest if the senator tries to flee abroad.
The DOJ chief also confirmed that the Philippines has officially received the ICC’s pending request to serve the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. The senator is facing allegations of crimes against humanity connected to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign during his time as Philippine National Police chief.
Despite the warning, Vida clarified that there is currently no order for a manhunt operation against Dela Rosa. He explained that the DOJ respects the Senate as a co-equal branch of government and is waiting for developments in the pending Supreme Court case involving the senator.
Vida said the situation would become different if Dela Rosa attempts to leave the Philippines while legal proceedings are ongoing.
The DOJ also acknowledged the Senate’s decision to place Dela Rosa under protective custody following the tense incident inside the Senate complex earlier this week.
The controversy intensified after reports of gunfire and chaos erupted during attempts by authorities to serve the ICC warrant inside the Senate building. Dela Rosa later reportedly managed to leave the premises amid the confusion, triggering criticism from several groups and lawmakers. (theguardian.com)
Vida said the DOJ would create a special panel of prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the Senate incident. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms has been ordered to submit reports, CCTV footage, and other evidence related to the disturbance.
When asked whether Senator Robin Padilla would also be investigated over allegations that he helped Dela Rosa leave the Senate, Vida said he would not preempt the findings of the special panel.
The justice secretary also defended National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, saying there is no reason to suspend him over the incident and noting that such authority does not fall under the DOJ secretary.
Vida added that the DOJ is open to arranging protective custody for Dela Rosa should the senator request it.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa’s camp continues to seek relief from the Supreme Court by asking for a temporary restraining order against the ICC warrant. As of Friday, no TRO has been issued.
May 15, 2026
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