The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized its units to locate and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa after a one-week ultimatum issued by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for his voluntary surrender expired on Friday, October 30.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed concerned personnel to track down the senator while exercising sound judgment and avoiding unnecessary confrontations.
“Our duty is to uphold the law without fear or favor, regardless of a person’s position, influence, or political affiliation. I have directed all personnel to remain professional, respect human rights, and exercise maximum restraint while carrying out their lawful duties,” Nartatez said.
According to the PNP, authorities have received numerous tips from the public regarding Dela Rosa’s whereabouts via five mobile hotlines launched earlier in the week. However, the police chief emphasized that none of the information has been verified as a reliable lead yet, and all reports remain under validation.
The manhunt follows a ₱50-million bounty dangled by Remulla for any information leading to the lawmaker’s apprehension. While Nartatez appealed for a peaceful resolution, he noted that no surrender feelers have been communicated by Dela Rosa, who is a former national police chief.
Dela Rosa faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the previous administration’s bloody war on drugs. The crackdown was initially implemented in 2016 when Dela Rosa headed the PNP under former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is also facing an ongoing ICC investigation in The Hague, Netherlands.