QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has yet to yield 91 registered firearms to authorities after the Philippine National Police (PNP) canceled his gun ownership privileges due to an outstanding international arrest warrant, an official confirmed on Monday, October 5.
Police Maj. Gen. Aden Lagradante, director of the PNP Civil Security Group (CSG), disclosed that Dela Rosa held a Type 5 Gun License, an authorization permitting an individual to own more than 15 firearms. PNP records indicate that a total of 117 firearms were originally licensed under the senator’s name.
However, only 26 weapons have been surrendered to date following the revocation order tied to his case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
When asked for an update regarding the senator’s firearms, Lagradante stated:
“Not yet, we still have 91 [to account].”
The cancellation of Dela Rosa’s licenses took effect in May after confirmation of his arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
As the chief of police under former President Rodrigo Duterte, Dela Rosa served as the top commander executing the anti-narcotics strategy—a framework allegedly established during their tenure in Davao City.
Lagradante noted that police operations are ongoing to locate and secure the remaining weapons, though he refrained from stating whether Dela Rosa currently faces criminal liability for illegal firearm possession, emphasizing that the cancellation was an administrative action.
He added that law enforcement officials are actively communicating with the senator’s legal representative, even as Dela Rosa’s camp attempts to seek a reconsideration of the PNP’s decision.
“By our rules dapat masurrender but ang last na information is on the process of accounting doon sa mga remaining,” Lagradante explained.