By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday dismissed speculation that it is preparing to arrest Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, saying no warrant or court order has been received by the police organization.
Speaking at a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Allen Rae Co clarified that law enforcement authorities have not been furnished with any directive concerning the senator’s arrest.
“As of now, the Philippine National Police has not received any official communication regarding any warrant against Senator Marcoleta,” Co said.
He emphasized that the PNP will only act once a valid warrant is issued by a competent court and properly transmitted to law enforcement agencies.
“The PNP implements lawful orders from the courts. If a warrant is issued and officially served to us, we will carry out our mandate in accordance with established procedures,” he added.
The issue surfaced following reports linking Marcoleta to a recommendation by the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon to file plunder and indirect bribery charges over allegedly undeclared campaign contributions amounting to P75 million.
Despite the controversy, Marcoleta recently declared that he would continue speaking out on what he described as irregularities in government flood control projects, regardless of possible legal consequences.
The senator also acknowledged in previous statements that an arrest warrant could eventually be issued against him.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. separately underscored that the police force does not act on rumors, social media speculation, or unverified reports.
“There is no special operational directive concerning Senator Marcoleta. The PNP does not move based on hearsay or unofficial information,” Nartatez said.
He reiterated that the national police remains politically neutral and adheres strictly to the rule of law.
“Our actions are guided solely by legal processes, court orders, and our responsibility to maintain peace and order,” the PNP chief added.
For now, police officials stressed that no arrest operation involving the senator is being planned, pending any formal action from the judiciary.
ia/xf
