Malacañang announced that state authorities are carefully evaluating all incoming information regarding the location of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as his one-week surrender deadline concludes on Friday, October 30.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has effectively restricted the lawmaker’s freedom of movement through increased police operations and a newly announced reward.
While law enforcement agencies have yet to receive any indication that dela Rosa plans to surrender, the DILG assured citizens that every tip is being systematically vetted.
During a press briefing in Bukidnon, Castro read a joint statement from the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP):
”As for specific intelligence, information being received, we cannot discussed operational details publicly. Doing so could expose information sources compromised the validation of leads, alert the subject to police efforts or endanger the personnel involved,”
The joint statement added:
”What we can assure the public is that all information received is being carefully and thoroughly assess and credible leads are being acted upon without delay.”
According to the statement, the combination of heightened police presence, public awareness, and the monetary reward has significantly constrained the senator’s ability to travel unnoticed.
Castro echoed this sentiment, noting that his options are rapidly diminishing:
”Totoo na lumiliit ang mundo ni Senator Bato dahil ang maaaring makakita sa kaniya ay magbibigay ng impormasyon agad-agad sa PNP at sa ibang law enforcement agencies. Nandiyan na rin po ang sinasabi ni NBI Director Matibag na siya rin po ay may natatanggap na mga impormasyon tungkol sa kinaroroonan ni Senator Bato dela Rosa,” Castro said.
”So, kung ang operasyon, ang detalye, hindi natin maibibigay nang kumpleto dito sa publiko,” she added.
The DILG issued a 50-million-peso bounty for details leading to dela Rosa’s apprehension on October 23.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously characterized the former PNP chief as “armed and dangerous,” noting that the reward money would be drawn from intelligence funds of the DILG and PNP.
Authorities are pursuing dela Rosa under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for alleged crimes against humanity tied to the previous administration’s anti-narcotics campaign.