Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Sunday that a subpoena will be issued to Senator Ronald Dela Rosa on Monday for his alleged involvement and knowledge of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration's drug war.
Details of the Subpoena
Remulla stated that he ordered Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to mobilize the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), PNP Legal Services, and the Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management to issue the subpoena. He clarified that the subpoena is not an arrest warrant but a requirement for Dela Rosa to appear personally before the CIDG as part of the investigation into alleged EJKs during his tenure as PNP chief and Davao City Police director.
Remulla's Clarifications
During a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Remulla denied rumors of an Interpol red notice for Dela Rosa. He said, "We do not have a red notice for General dela Rosa. I have not seen a copy, and I'm here to deny all rumors." However, he confirmed that orders have been given to resume the investigation into Dela Rosa's previous actions as City Director of Davao and Regional Director of Davao Region.
Remulla noted that Dela Rosa remains in the Philippines, specifically in the Davao Region, and that local police have been alerted to the possible subpoena. He emphasized that Dela Rosa will be treated with respect, stating, "He is a senator, a former chief of the PNP, and there will be no handcuffs."
Scope of Investigation
The drug war investigation will cover all complaints and records, including over 6,000 deaths during police operations and alleged involvement of police officers in vigilante-style killings. PNP chief Nartatez said the House Quad Committee report from last year will serve as the basis, along with other EJK reports and abuse complaints.
Remulla stressed, "We cannot move forward as a country until there is a reconciliation of the truth. This is just the initial step in finding out what really happened." He added that the investigation sends a strong message that the PNP stands for accountability, with no sacred cows.
Background on Dela Rosa
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa served as the first PNP chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte starting in 2016. He is among key officials linked to the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the previous administration's anti-drug operations. Since November 2025, he has not attended Senate sessions or public events after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant over his implication in crimes against humanity cases involving Duterte.
