PNP chief to Bato: Respect the law

As former head of the Philippine National Police, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa should respect the law, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said, as he appealed to the lawmaker's sense of duty amid an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest.

- By RAINIER ALLAN RONDA

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said no hold-departure order has been issued against Dela Rosa.

“We are appealing to Senator Bato’s enduring sense of duty as a lifelong law enforcer to ensure this legal process is resolved with the utmost dignity," Nartatez said yesterday.

He added that Dela Rosa, being a former police chief, fully understands the responsibilities carried by law enforcers.

"Senator Bato knows better than anyone the weight of the uniform and the oath our officers take to uphold the law. Just as our men and women in uniform honor his legacy as their former top cop, we ask that he honor their current duty by cooperating fully," he said.

In a statement, Nartatez said the PNP would continue to exercise restraint and professionalism in handling operations involving Dela Rosa, noting that police officers still hold deep respect for the senator because of his years of service in the organization.

"Our ranks maintain an institutional respect for Senator Bato as our former head of the PNP and it is precisely that shared respect for the badge that guides our approach," Nartatez said.