Marcos administration unclear on arresting dela Rosa

16 Mwezi wa tano, 2026

The Philippine government has sent mixed signals on whether to arrest Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa over an International Criminal Court warrant for crimes against humanity. Officials say they will wait for a Supreme Court ruling but will act if he tries to leave the country.

Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa reappeared at the Senate on May 11 to support the election of Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president. He stayed there until a shooting incident occurred on May 13 involving Senate security and National Bureau of Investigation agents.

Dela Rosa left the Senate compound early on May 14 with Senator Robin Padilla. The Supreme Court had declined to issue a temporary restraining order on his petition against the warrant.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the Department of Justice will wait for the Supreme Court to resolve legal issues before making any arrest. He added that agents would arrest dela Rosa if he attempts to leave the country.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered a six-month suspension for Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca over the shooting and is seeking CCTV footage from the Senate.

Watu wanasema nini

Discussions on X highlight mixed signals from the Marcos administration on arresting Sen. Bato dela Rosa over the ICC warrant, with officials stating no direct orders yet but readiness to act if he flees. Users note DOJ positions on enforcement under RA 9851 and calls for law enforcement to handle it independently. Skeptical reactions question potential backdoor escapes and political maneuvering, while neutral reports emphasize following the law and waiting for Supreme Court input. Diverse accounts including journalists and commentators reflect uncertainty and procedural debates.

Marcos says there were no orders given to anyone to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. The International Criminal Court earlier confirmed it issued a warrant of arrest against the senator over his role in the war on drugs. @gmanewsbreaking @gmanews

— Giselle Ombay (@giselleombay_) 13 Mei 2026

🚨 Mukhang nakapag-usap na sa group chat, este, meeting ang gov’t tungkol kay Bato Dela Rosa.

Ombudsman Boying suspended General Aplasca.

The DOJ says the ICC warrant is valid and will arrest Bato if he tries to leave.

Kaso baka nag backdoor exit na. 😂

Too late the hero? 🤡

— Jesus Falcis 🇵🇭 (@jesusfalcis) 15 Mei 2026

#OneNews

The DOJ maintains its position on the possible implementation of a warrant of arrest from the ICC against Sen. Bato dela Rosa.

DOJ spox Atty. Polo Martinez said under RA 9851, a Filipino arrested by an intl tribunal may be surrendered either to the appropriate …(1/2) pic.twitter.com/PZlWvbFwGq

— Jove Francisco (@jovefrancisco) 13 Mei 2026

Castro said the Marcos administration will let law enforcement agencies handle the arrest of Sen. Bato Dela Rosa based on the warrant of arrest from the ICC. @BusinessMirror

— Samuel Medenilla (@sam_medenilla) 12 Mei 2026

MARCOS AWARE OF ICC WARRANT VS. BATO, TELLS ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO FOLLOW THE LAW

WATCH: Malacañang says President Bongbong Marcos is aware of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Senator Bato Dela Rosa.

Communications Undersecretary Claire… pic.twitter.com/YbuaD6BAyc

— Tristan Nodalo (@TristanNodalo) 12 Mei 2026

Vyanzo

• https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-bato-dela-rosa-arrest-unclear-secretaries-statements/
• https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-legal-risks-facing-senators-aided-bato-dela-rosa-escape/
• https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2230147/ombudsman-senate-didnt-accept-subpoena-for-video-of-shooting
• https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/05/17/2528510/doj-gets-new-leads-bato-whereabouts
• https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/05/17/2528512/senate-refuses-receive-aplasca-suspension-order-ombudsman