The Philippine Air Force (PAF) stated it has no information to support rumors suggesting Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has been taken into custody.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco clarified during an interview that the lawmaker is not located at Villamor Air Base, contradicting overnight speculation.
Basco added that the air force holds “negative information” regarding reports that Dela Rosa was slated to be transferred to the military headquarters in Pasay City.
The statement followed widespread rumors surrounding the senator’s alleged apprehension, which were similarly dismissed by top security officials.
In a Viber message to reporters, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed the agency had received no reports of an arrest.
”We have no information to that effect,” Remulla said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. likewise shut down the speculation when asked about Dela Rosa’s status.
”Nega,” Nartatez said.
Meanwhile, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag noted that authorities are continuing manhunt operations for the senator.
The unverified reports had sparked comparisons to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was taken to Villamor Air Base before being flown abroad under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
Dela Rosa is similarly sought by the ICC over his alleged role as a “co-perpetrator” in the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.