The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that 91 firearms registered to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa have yet to be turned over to authorities, despite his camp surrendering six additional weapons recently.
The newest batch of six guns was handed over by the fugitive senator’s legal counsel at his property in Silang, Cavite. The turnover operation was jointly executed by the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), the PNP Regional Civil Security Unit 4A, and local police teams.
This brings the overall number of surrendered weapons to 26, counting the initial 20 firearms yielded on June 11.
However, law enforcement noted that the active revocation mandate actually encompasses 117 firearms registered under Dela Rosa’s name, leaving 91 pieces unaccounted for.
The PNP stated that all retrieved weapons have been processed into temporary police custody following standard protocols linked to the cancellation of the senator’s License to Own and Possess Firearms and associated registration certificates.
The PNP-FEO enacted the license cancellation under the statutory guidelines of Republic Act No. 10591, known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Dela Rosa has dropped out of public view once again after slipping away from the Senate complex on May 14.
He currently faces an active arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which names him as a co-perpetrator in a crimes against humanity case stemming from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly anti-drug crackdown.
Additionally, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commented on the operational approach to the high-profile enforcement:
“The Philippine National Police remains committed to carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law and established procedures. We will continue to perform our duties professionally, fairly, and with respect for the legal rights of everyone involved,” Nartatez said.