The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed Thursday, September 10, that operations are actively ongoing to locate and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, with officers reportedly engaging individuals suspected of harboring the lawmaker.
PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co refrained from sharing specific operational details or specifics regarding the discussions, citing the need to safeguard police personnel and prevent compromising the mission.
“What we can confirm is that our efforts are ongoing and relentless. We will not yield and we will not be distracted from our goal,” Co stated.
Authorities cautioned that any individuals knowingly sheltering or aiding the senator could face legal repercussions depending on the extent of their involvement.
Dela Rosa is wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity tied to the former Duterte administration’s anti-drug operations.
Co confirmed that Dela Rosa is still believed to be inside the Philippines, despite concerns that he poses a flight risk.
Concurrently, law enforcement is attempting to recover dozens of firearms registered to the senator. According to the PNP, 91 of Dela Rosa’s 117 registered firearms remain uncollected.
The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office is currently communicating with the senator’s family to facilitate the surrender of the remaining weapons. To date, 20 firearms have been turned over in the Davao region, while six others were surrendered in Calabarzon.