MANILA, Philippines — The government has tightened its noose on Sen. Ronald dela Rosa with the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirming that it has applied for an Interpol red notice to hasten his arrest and its attached agency, the National Brureau of Investigation (NBI), seeking the cancellation of his gun licenses.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant against the senator over alleged crimes against humanity during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said the request for an Interpol red notice was among the legal remedies available to authorities seeking dela Rosa’s arrest.
“As far as I know, there is an application for an Interpol red notice,” Martinez said. “That is a remedy available to us.”
An Interpol red notice is a request circulated to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition or similar legal action. Once issued, all 195 Interpol member countries may assist in locating and detaining the subject.
The development came as authorities continued searching for dela Rosa, who has remained out of public view since May 14.
CCTV footage earlier released showed the senator leaving the Senate premises at around 2:30 a.m. aboard a white Toyota van reportedly registered to Sen. Robin Padilla.
The incident occurred hours after a shooting incident near the Senate complex.
Padilla later confirmed he transported dela Rosa to Makati and dropped him off near Ayala Avenue, where another vehicle allegedly picked up the senator.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has since identified Padilla as a person of interest in the case, although the actor-turned-lawmaker denied any wrongdoing.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida declared dela Rosa a fugitive from justice and directed both the Philippine National Police and the NBI to enforce the ICC arrest warrant.
The warrant covers allegations of crimes against humanity involving murder in connection with at least 32 killings linked to anti-drug operations conducted between July 2016 and April 2018 under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The Supreme Court on May 20 denied dela Rosa’s petition for a temporary restraining order seeking to stop the implementation of the ICC warrant. Voting 9-5-1, the tribunal allowed authorities to proceed with enforcement.
The High Court is expected to release its full resolution, including concurring and dissenting opinions, on Monday, May 25.
Cancel gun licenses
Meanwhile, the NBI has moved to cancel the licenses of more than 100 firearms allegedly registered under dela Rosa's name.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed on Monday that the bureau has sent a letter to the PNP requesting the cancellation of the licenses.
Among the firearms reportedly registered under dela Rosa’s name were automatic rifles, high-powered firearms, and shotguns.
The NBI tagged the senator as “armed and dangerous.”
The bureau also considers dela Rosa’s former role as PNP chief as a “major concern” in ongoing efforts to locate him, citing his familiarity with law enforcement operations.
The PNP, through Col. Allen Rae Co, Public Information chief, said it has not received word from thhe NBI on its request to revokethe firearm licenses registered under dela Rosa.
“Upon receipt of such request, we will evaluate and act on the same in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10591 and its revised IRR [Implementing Rules and Regulation], swiftly and within the bounds of the law,” Co said.
Dela Rosa, an active gun enthusiast, legally maintains a large collection of firearms.
“The Firearms Licence Revocation and Restoration Board under the Civil Security Group shall convene and thereafter determine if any grounds was present,” he added.
