MANILA – Tracker teams have been deployed to locate and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

In a media report, it said that in a statement, the PNP said Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that units were mobilized in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to serve the arrest warrant against the senator.

Nartatez said police units have been instructed to strictly follow operational procedures and ensure respect for human rights in carrying out the order.

“The PNP operates strictly under the rule of law. I have issued clear instructions to all local and specialized units that any enforcement action concerning Senator Dela Rosa must be executed with absolute transparency, full adherence to police operational procedures, and the utmost respect for human rights,” he said.

He added that the arrest will be carried out “professionally” and “without political bias.”

“We will perform our legal duty professionally and without political bias, ensuring that the process remains dignified and secure for all parties involved,” Nartatez said.

“Our mandate is clear but I am emphasizing to our personnel that operational discipline is paramount. There will be no shortcuts and every movement will be heavily aligned with existing protocols to protect constitutional rights and maintain public trust,” he added.

Once arrested, Dela Rosa will be turned over to the DOJ, which issued the order for his arrest, according to Nartatez.

Justice Secretary Frederick Vida earlier said the PNP and NBI were directed to serve the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the Duterte administration’s drug war.

Nartatez said no request for protective custody has been received from Dela Rosa.

“As of now, wala siyang hinihiling na protective custody and or whether officially,” he said in an ambush interview.

(As of now, he is not requesting protective custody officially.)

He added that seeking protective custody could be interpreted as surrender, noting that the matter has not been formally raised.

The PNP has also intensified monitoring of exit points and coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration, which reported no record of foreign travel by the senator.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag separately said a dedicated team has been tasked to track and locate Dela Rosa.

“Sasabihin ko lang talaga (all I can say is), DILG, we have a dedicated team, we have an ongoing operation to locate Senator Bato,” Matibag said.

He said Dela Rosa will be turned over to the DOJ once arrested.

“Once the law enforcement got hold of Senator Bato, na aresto siya, ang next stop namin, we’ll turn him over to the Department of Justice,” he said.

He also urged the senator to surrender.

“I have to appeal to Senator Bato, baka nanonood siya, eh mas maganda siguro, sumuko na lang siya. Kasing dalawang bagay naman yan eh: Arestuhin ka o sumuko ka,” Matibag said.