MANILA — Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Philippine law enforcement agencies have been directed to arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a media report, it said that Vida confirmed that both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have been tasked to enforce the arrest order.

“I would like to confirm that Philippine law enforcement agencies, which would include the PNP, the NBI, are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Bato Dela Rosa,” sabi ni Vida.

“Senator Bato is a fugitive from justice and he should be brought to the ICC to face the charges,” dagdag niya.

Vida said the directive is based on a “validly issued” ICC arrest warrant against the senator, who is facing allegations of crimes against humanity linked to killings under the previous administration’s drug war.

He also cited Dela Rosa’s absence from the Senate and the Supreme Court’s decision not to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) or status quo ante order on the matter.

However, Vida declined to say whether Dela Rosa would immediately be turned over to the ICC, saying operational details cannot be disclosed.

“These are operational matters that I cannot discuss so that we don’t defeat the purpose of the arrest, which is the ultimate objective is to bring him to the ICC,” he said.

He also warned that individuals who may help the senator evade arrest could face legal consequences.

“Ang sa akin din pong pakiusap, those who might be aiding, or abetting, or helping Senator Bato evade the law, there are consequences,” aniya.

“Alam natin na sa panuntunan ng rule of law may pananagutan. Hindi lamang po sa… batas ng Pilipinas, pati rin po sa batas ng ICC,” he added.

The ICC has issued a warrant of arrest against Dela Rosa over allegations that he was involved in crimes against humanity during the anti-drug campaign implemented during the administrations of Rodrigo Duterte as Davao City mayor and later as president.

Dela Rosa’s legal counsel previously said they acknowledge the existence of the ICC warrant but maintain it should not be enforced in the Philippines. The Supreme Court has also denied his request for interim relief, though it has yet to rule on the main constitutional issues surrounding ICC enforcement in the country.

Malacañang earlier said the ICC warrant is “valid,” according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro.

Meanwhile, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said authorities have received leads on Dela Rosa’s whereabouts but declined to disclose details.

The PNP said it is awaiting formal instructions from the Department of Justice before acting on the warrant.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the force will defer to legal processes and concerned agencies, noting that it has units capable of executing arrest warrants, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).