MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday that any possible implementation of a reported International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald dela Rosa would follow legal procedures, including extradition proceedings and coordination mechanisms under Philippine law.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said police operations would be guided strictly by lawful orders in coordination with concerned agencies.

“The PNP remains guided by existing laws and lawful directives in relation to the reported ICC warrant confirmation,” Tuaño said.

He said one possible pathway involves extradition proceedings through Philippine courts and the Department of Justice, while another involves a direct surrender mechanism under Republic Act 9851, in coordination with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila, and the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC).

Tuaño explained that the NCB serves as Interpol’s local branch in the Philippines, while the PCTC acts as the country’s liaison to Interpol.

“In the event that a court order is issued based on coordination through the NCB/PCTC and concerned authorities, the PNP will implement the appropriate contingency plans and necessary operational measures in accordance with due process and established protocols,” he said, adding that no arrest order has been received yet.

“Handang-handa naman ang Philippine National Police… na kung saka-sakali mai-tap na sila ng NCB-PCTC na i-implement yung ICC warrant,” he added.

He said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group would be tasked with executing any warrant.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization has not received any official communication regarding the matter.

“As such, the PNP is not in a position to issue further comment pending proper verification and coordination through the appropriate channels,” Nartatez said.

He also said the deployment of police near the Senate was part of a preventive security measure amid protests from Dela Rosa supporters.

“Our presence at the Senate is strictly a proactive security measure to ensure public order and the safety of the institution. The PNP is here to provide perimeter security and prevent any potential civil disturbance arising from the current political situation,” he said.

Southern Police District Director Brig. Gen. Glenn Oliver Cinco said police would exercise “maximum tolerance” toward protesters unless they become disruptive.

“Kung maging unruly na sila, kung nakakapanakit na sila, huhulihin namin sila,” Cinco said.

About 343 police personnel, mostly from the Civil Disturbance Management unit, were deployed around the Senate in Pasay City.

The development followed former senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s presentation of what he said was a copy of the ICC warrant against Dela Rosa, which prompted tighter security around the Senate complex.