Dela Rosa's legal team denies Interpol red notice in manhunt dispute

MANILA — The legal camp of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa asserted on Monday that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has no valid basis to pursue manhunt operations against the lawmaker, citing the absence of an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice.

Attorney Israelito Torreon, serving as dela Rosa's legal counsel, stated that according to information obtained by the senator's team, no Interpol red notice has been issued in connection with the cases against him. An Interpol red notice is a formal international alert issued by the global law enforcement body and typically serves as a prerequisite for cross-border arrest warrants.

Torreon's statement comes as the PNP has intensified efforts to locate the senator in relation to ongoing legal matters. The senator's legal representatives have consistently challenged the legitimacy of the search operations, arguing that without an Interpol red notice, any manhunt conducted by Philippine authorities may lack international law enforcement coordination and credibility.

The dispute underscores the broader tensions surrounding dela Rosa's legal situation and raises questions about the procedural requirements governing high-profile arrest operations involving sitting senators. The senator's camp has not provided additional details regarding the specific charges or allegations prompting the PNP's actions.