MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa will not be given special treatment amid concerns that police officers may go soft on the former police chief due to his ties within the organization.

In a news release, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the police force remains bound by law and its mandate to serve without bias.

“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.

Nartatez said respect for Dela Rosa as a former PNP chief would not affect how police personnel carry out their duties, stressing that operations will continue to be guided by professionalism, impartiality, and transparency.

He also ordered all police units to strictly observe standard operating procedures in any operation involving Dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the previous administration’s drug war.

The PNP chief directed commanders to avoid preferential treatment and ensure that no unauthorized information is released that could compromise legal processes.

“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 added.

CIDG, NBI search alleged hideout in Pampanga

Meanwhile, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted a search Wednesday morning on a house in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga, where Dela Rosa was reportedly staying.

Barangay Balibago chairman Joseph Ponce said in a phone interview that authorities coordinated with him around 5:30 a.m. before entering a house inside Diamond Subdivision owned by Lakay Cariño, who he identified as the maternal uncle of actor-turned-senator Robin Padilla.

Ponce said barangay officials and village personnel were sent to observe the operation.

He added that the search was prompted by reports that Dela Rosa may have transferred to Cariño’s pickup truck after leaving the Senate on the early morning of May 14.

Authorities, however, did not find Dela Rosa or the vehicle during the operation.

Ponce said the search remained peaceful, while authorities have yet to release an official statement or confirm whether the operation was linked to efforts to locate the senator.

PNP revokes firearms licenses of Dela Rosa

In a separate development, the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) 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 decision was based on Section 4 of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The order stated that 117 firearms registered under Dela Rosa’s name must be confiscated or turned over to the Supply Accountable Officer of the PNP-FEO for proper disposition.

“This Order of Revocation shall be immediately executory,” the document read.