MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed Thursday to relentlessly pursue Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa as authorities seek to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him, warning that individuals found harboring or protecting the fugitive senator could also face legal consequences.
PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said police operations to locate Dela Rosa are continuing despite reports that authorities are negotiating with people allegedly providing him protection.
“What we can confirm is that our efforts are ongoing and relentless. We will not yield and we will not be distracted from our goal,” Co said at a press briefing.
The PNP, however, refused to disclose details of the reported negotiations or its ongoing operations, saying doing so could jeopardize the manhunt and endanger police personnel and other individuals involved.
“Operational details cannot be publicly discussed as this will compromise our ongoing operations and could pose danger to the safety of everyone involved, not just our personnel but everyone involved,” Co said.
Co said individuals allegedly helping Dela Rosa evade authorities could face legal consequences, although their liability would depend on the specific nature and extent of their involvement.
The PNP maintains that Dela Rosa remains in the Philippines and considers the senator a flight risk.
The ICC has issued a warrant for Dela Rosa in connection with the crimes against humanity case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Apart from the manhunt, police are working to account for firearms registered under Dela Rosa’s name.
Co said that of 117 firearms associated with the senator, only 26 have so far been surrendered — 20 in the Davao region and six in Calabarzon — leaving 91 firearms still unaccounted for.
The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office is coordinating with Dela Rosa’s family to facilitate the surrender of the remaining firearms.
Police said operations to locate Dela Rosa and account for the outstanding firearms would continue./PN
