Jonathan Frederic De Santos

Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III visits the House of Representatives on Aug. 27, 2025. via Vivienne Gulla, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III on Wednesday said the implementation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa should be strictly treated as a law enforcement operation, not an act of revenge.Torre, now the general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, stressed that authorities must focus on the legal process and proper enforcement procedures.“It is not about revenge or anything. It is about law enforcement,” Torre told reporters on the sidelines of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) General Membership Meeting in Taguig City.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/13/-we-will-not-allow-it-to-happen-no-arrests-to-be-made-in-senate-osaa-1741">‘We will not allow it to happen’: No arrests to be made in Senate – OSAA </a></div>He said authorities should verify if the warrant is valid and enforceable and if the agency tasked with serving it has the capability and personnel to do so.Torre was instrumental in the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague in the Netherlands in March last year.Duterte was also the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the ICC for crimes against humanity over his deadly war on drugs.According to the former PNP chief, enforcement of the warrant can be carried out in different ways, but emphasized that peaceful dialogue remains the best approach.“Siyempre, kung ma-enforce naman ‘yan nang walang gulo, walang alingasngas, that would be the better way,” Torre said.“If kailangang mandatory ang pag-enforce, it should be disciplined and always cognizant of the human rights of everybody. Ang bottomline: Dapat ang community hindi naaabala,” he added.Torre pointed out that the ICC had already issued the warrant against both Duterte and Dela Rosa, and that the Philippines’ former membership in the tribunal remains part of the legal debate surrounding the case.“So, I think there are various opinions regarding that matter. Pero isa lang ang bottomline niyan: kung ano ang desisyon ng gobyerno, ‘yan ang dapat manaig.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/13/bato-dela-rosa-now-officially-included-in-icc-s-wanted-persons-list-1721">Bato dela Rosa now officially included in ICC&#x27;s wanted persons list </a></div>Asked about the impact of the issue on the image of the PNP, Torre said the public remains divided but noted that differing opinions are part of a functioning democracy.Torre also described as “unfortunate” Dela Rosa’s altercation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at the Senate building on Monday.“It’s quite unfortunate na nangyari iyon, and more unfortunate na lumabas sa media ang mga eksenang iyan. Very unfortunate,” he said.“We have to be very circumspect also sa release ng information. Pero nangyari na ang nangyari, at nakita na ng ating mga kababayan. It’s for them to decide kung ano talaga ang tama, ano ang dapat gawin at ano ang nakabubuti para sa taumbayan,” he added.On the Senate’s possible role in protecting Dela Rosa, the former PNP chief said the matter should be guided by legal experts and the courts.Moreover, Torre characterized Dela Rosa’s appeal for support from Philippine troops as part of politics.“That’s politics. Pwede niya talagang ipanawagan iyan. That is within his jurisdiction. Pwede niyang ihingi ‘yan. Now, on whether that will be heeded or not, that remains to be seen,” he said.

Torre, now the general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, stressed that authorities must focus on the legal process and proper enforcement procedures.

Torre, now the general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, stressed that authorities must focus on the legal process and proper enforcement procedures.

Implementation of ICC warrant vs Dela Rosa should be about law, not revenge– Torre

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Implementation of ICC warrant vs Dela Rosa should be about law, not revenge– Torre

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 13, 2026 05:47 PM PHT

Read More:

Nicolas Torre III

International Criminal Court

Ronald Dela Rosa

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.