Department of Justice (DOJ) Frederick Vida confirms that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) now have authorization to arrest Senator Ronald Bato Dela Rosa, since the International Criminal Court (ICC) already issued a warrant.

Also, the Supreme Court didn’t grant the favor of Bato regarding a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block the implementation of the warrant against him.

“I would like to confirm the Philippine law enforcement agencies, which would include the PNP, the National Bureau of Investigation are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Bato Dela Rosa,” Vida said

Vida also confirmed that they already obtained leads concerning the location of the Senator, but he refused to disclose the full details.

He also declined to disclose the details of Senator’s custody once arrested, but the DOJ said that the ultimate objective is to bring him to the ICC.

“These are operational matters that I cannot discuss so that we don't defeat the purpose of the arrest, which is the ultimate objective is to bring him to the ICC,” he said

DOJ Secretary Vida also stated that “Senator Bato is fugitive from justice”.

Senator Bato Dela Rosa has not yet issued any statement regarding the matter. 

This is a developing story.

With reports from Benedict Samson