THE CRIMINAL Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) is set to issue a subpoena on Monday, May 11, 2026, against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in connection with the ongoing investigation into the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla announced this during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Sunday morning, joined by PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Remulla emphasized that the subpoena requiring the senator’s personal appearance at the CIDG office is not an arrest warrant.
“I repeat, this is not an arrest warrant but a subpoena,” Remulla clarified, addressing circulating rumors that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued a warrant for Dela Rosa’s arrest for alleged crimes against humanity.
‘Tip of the spear’
Remulla asserted that the move is part of the government’s effort to hold officials accountable for the controversial “war on drugs.”
“We have to put a stop to all of this chatter. We have to make it clear that EJK is no longer a policy of the PNP,” Remulla said. “He was the tip of the spear in the EJK drive, so we will start with him and investigate down further.”
When questioned about potential cooperation with the ICC, Remulla maintained the administration’s stance.
“Number one, we are not a member of the ICC, and we are not party to any of their investigations. Number two, there will be other investigations and other subpoenas to follow regarding this,” he said.
Tracked to Davao
Remulla also revealed that, according to government intelligence, Dela Rosa, who has stopped attending Senate sessions since November 2025, is currently in the Davao Region.
In light of this, Remulla has alerted the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI to help serve the CIDG’s upcoming subpoena to the senator.
PNP Chief Nartatez confirmed that the summons is part of a broader effort to identify and question key personalities linked to the drug war.
PNP said this forms part of the continuing fact-finding process involving more than 100 complaints on alleged extrajudicial killings (EJK) said to have occurred during his tenure as City Director and Regional Director in Davao.
Dela Rosa, who served as the chief of the PNP during the height of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, has long been a central figure in the EJK debates.
Police Regional Office XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey also told TIMES on Sunday afternoon that the regional office did not receive an ICC warrant of arrest against Senator Dela Rosa, according to PRO XI director Leon Victor Rosete.
TIMES has reached out to Senator Dela Rosa, who has yet to issue a response as of press time.
