The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender voluntarily, as authorities continue efforts to locate and serve an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla made the appeal while also warning against prolonging the situation, saying it could lead to an undesirable outcome.
“Please surrender. Gagalangin ka namin. Your rights will be observed. But huwag na natin patagalin ito kasi baka umuwi pa ito sa hindi mo gusto,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.
He added that law enforcement agencies are fully mobilizing nationwide resources to locate the senator.
“We have 7,467 islands. We have 225,000 policemen. We’re deploying all our resources. You have to understand this is not easy. We have more than 40,000 barangays to search,” he said.
Remulla said police are acting on multiple leads, although many do not result in confirmed sightings.
“There are always leads. But nine out of 10, the leads are just leads. Just be patient,” he added.
The DILG chief also said the government is considering offering a reward for information that could lead to Dela Rosa’s arrest, although he noted that previous efforts had limited effect.
“Yes, it is possible, considering that, but apparently it’s not effective yet,” he said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities are tracking all possible locations linked to the senator, including known addresses and places he frequently visits.
“We are looking into all his whereabouts, known addresses, and usual destinations, including where his firearms are registered,” Nartatez said.
He added that police are also coordinating efforts regarding the turnover of Dela Rosa’s firearms, following the revocation of his gun licenses.
The ICC has reportedly issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa in connection with alleged killings linked to the previous administration’s war on drugs.
Security at the Senate was tightened earlier this month, with reports of gunfire inside the premises on May 13, during which Dela Rosa was placed under protective custody of the chamber before leaving the following day.
Police tracker teams have since been deployed nationwide as the search continues.
