MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its manhunt for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa following the expiration of his voluntary surrender deadline, deploying specialized tracker teams nationwide as a P50-million reward awaits anyone who can provide information leading to his arrest.
PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lieutenant General Wilson Lopez said Dela Rosa remains in the Philippines, citing Bureau of Immigration records showing no indication that the former police chief had left the country.
“Let me declare, hindi tayo uurong sa ating tungkulin,” Lopez said at a press briefing.
Lopez said the PNP had reorganized its tracker teams and mobilized specialized units at the national and regional levels to intensify the search, which began even before the surrender deadline expired.
“Ang PNP hindi tumigil sa paghahanap kay Senator Dela Rosa. Ang kaibahan lang this time ay mas magiging intensified ‘yung operations nating gagawin. We’ll be exerting full effort. At sabi ko nga, we have assigned specific task groups to do the purpose,” he added.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier gave Dela Rosa one week to surrender, while Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced a P50-million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Lopez said police had received numerous tips through dedicated hotlines but were still verifying their credibility. No one has contacted authorities to arrange Dela Rosa’s voluntary surrender.
The intensified operation also covers possible escape routes, including unofficial exit points, as police prepare for various scenarios, including a potential confrontation.
“In all operations, we are always considering all angles. So lahat ng possible things na puwede nangyari, kino-consider po natin and that’s part of the plan,” Lopez said.
He also appealed to Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, to prevent any confrontation that could endanger police personnel.
“Kung titignan natin, si Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa ay dating magulang, dating tatay ng PNP. Kung sa puso niya ay naroon pa ang pagiging tatay ng PNP, hindi niya hahayaan na mayroong isa o dalawa o any members of the PNP na masaktan,” Lopez said.
Dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of crimes against humanity linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign. ICC prosecutors have accused him of being a co-perpetrator in the alleged crimes.
The DILG earlier claimed that Dela Rosa was hiding in Mindanao under the protection of an armed and influential group, although authorities have not publicly identified the group.
Despite the intensified nationwide search and the substantial reward offer, Dela Rosa’s whereabouts remain unknown as police continue pursuing leads and verifying information from the public./PN
