DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Sunday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to proceed with an investigation into more than 100 alleged extra-judicial killing (EJK)-related complaints linked to anti-drug operations in Davao, confirming that a subpoena will be issued to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as part of the ongoing probe.
Speaking during a press conference at Camp Crame, Remulla clarified that the move is part of a lawful domestic investigation being conducted by Philippine authorities and has no connection to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“This is merely a subpoena in aid of investigation and not an arrest warrant,” Remulla said. “We decided to do this the proper way, to investigate in the proper way, and to debunk all rumors that have been circulating.”
The DILG chief also dismissed reports claiming that an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice or arrest warrant had been issued against dela Rosa.
“There is no copy of any red notice. We deny all rumors na may red notice,” he said.
The Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), which serves as Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Manila, earlier confirmed that it has not received any arrest warrant from the ICC against the Senator.
Remulla stressed that the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC and underscored that the reinvestigation is an internal process being undertaken under Philippine jurisdiction.
“We have complete disassociation with the ICC. We are not a member,” he emphasized.
The DILG chief directed the PNP, through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), to lead the investigation with assistance from the PNP Legal Service and other concerned units.
“The investigation is a continuing one. In light of the reports and speculation surrounding a possible red notice, we have taken the matter upon ourselves to continue the investigation on this matter,” he said, adding that dela Rosa “has never been personally investigated.”
Remulla assured that the investigation will be conducted with fairness, professionalism, and full respect for due process.
“The rule of law must apply evenly and investigations must proceed based on evidence, not speculation,” he said.
The DILG chief likewise reiterated that the current administration does not tolerate extra-judicial killings and remains committed to institutional accountability within law enforcement.
“Extra-judicial killings have no place in the PNP,” Remulla said. “The PNP stands for accountability. There are no sacred cows.”