Director Melvin Matibag reveals readiness to enforce new warrants as investigations continue
Category: Politics
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is preparing for the issuance of additional arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to the previous administration’s controversial drug war, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag. Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, May 23, 2026, Matibag indicated that the agency has received credible information about the impending warrants for several individuals connected to the alleged crimes against humanity during the drug campaign initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Matibag's announcement comes on the heels of an existing arrest warrant issued against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, which the NBI is expected to enforce. "We have information that there are several who will be issued warrants by the ICC," Matibag stated, emphasizing the agency's readiness to act regardless of the identity or status of those involved. "It doesn’t matter who he is or what his crime is. As long as there is a warrant, we really have a protocol. So, if an additional warrant of arrest comes out, we are always ready to enforce and to serve the warrant," he added.
The ICC has named Dela Rosa, along with other officials, as co-perpetrators in the alleged commission of crimes against humanity for their roles in the drug war. This includes prominent figures such as Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, former police chiefs Camilo Cascolan and Oscar Albayalde, and former NBI director Dante Gierran, among others. According to the ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, these individuals allegedly shared a common plan to "neutralize" alleged criminals in the Philippines through violent means, including murder.
The drug war, which began in earnest after Duterte assumed the presidency in 2016, has been widely criticized for its brutal tactics, leading to thousands of deaths. The ICC's investigation into the human rights abuses associated with this campaign has gained international attention, prompting calls for accountability among those involved. The recent developments signal a potential widening of the scope of the ICC's inquiry, as more individuals could soon face similar legal repercussions.
Last February, the ICC officially recognized Dela Rosa and others as part of a broader conspiracy to commit these crimes. The court's findings highlight a systematic approach to violence against those suspected of drug offenses, raising serious ethical and legal questions about the actions taken by the Duterte administration. The NBI's readiness to enforce the warrants reflects the Philippine government’s commitment to cooperate with the ICC, even as the situation remains politically charged.
As the NBI prepares to execute the warrants, the agency has established dedicated teams to locate Senator Dela Rosa, who has reportedly gone into hiding. Matibag expressed confidence that Dela Rosa remains in the country, as no records indicate he has left through any official ports of entry. Nevertheless, there are concerns that he may exploit the country's less secure borders to avoid arrest.
The Department of Justice has already declared the ICC warrant against Dela Rosa enforceable, following a Supreme Court ruling that denied his request for a temporary restraining order. This legal backing allows the NBI and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to proceed with the arrest. Matibag has appealed to Dela Rosa to surrender peacefully, acknowledging the challenges posed by potential assistance the senator may receive to evade capture.
With the ICC set to issue more warrants, the implications for those involved in the Duterte administration's drug war could be substantial. As investigations continue, the NBI's actions will be closely monitored, both domestically and internationally, as they navigate the sensitive nature of this high-profile case.
In light of the developments, the international community is watching closely as the ICC's proceedings may shape the future of human rights accountability in the Philippines. The next major date on the ICC calendar is May 27, 2026, when a status conference is scheduled for Duterte, who has been ordered to remain in custody pending trial.