Authorities are weighing tighter steps in the ongoing manhunt for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. This includes the possible imposition of a bounty for information leading to his arrest, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
Remulla made the statement on Friday, May 29, 2026, noting that the proposal is still under review and has not been finalized.
“We are considering that but apparently, it is not effective yet, so tingnan namin kung ano ang kailangan,” Remulla said.
He also appealed for Dela Rosa to surrender, assuring that authorities would observe due process if he complies.
“Please surrender. Gagalangin ka naming. Your rights will be observed but huwag na natin patagalin ito kasi baka umuwi pa ito sa hindi mo gusto. So mabuti na mag-surrender ka na. We will treat you as an officer and a gentleman and we will follow all due process para sa kanya,” he added.
Remulla said the search remains active and expressed confidence in the professionalism of Philippine National Police personnel, amid concerns that some individuals may be shielding the former police chief.
Dela Rosa has been identified as a co-perpetrator in the crime against humanity of murder in connection with former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war campaign.
International Criminal Court Pre Trial Chamber I earlier alleged his involvement in a plan that ran from November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, targeting individuals linked to illegal drugs.
The senator resurfaced briefly in the Senate on May 11 after months of absence, shortly before internal leadership changes in the chamber. His appearance led to a tense confrontation involving National Bureau of Investigation personnel, triggering a brief commotion inside the Senate premises.
Following the incident, senators placed him under the chamber’s protective custody.
However, after a shooting incident inside the Senate on March 13 and the Department of Justice’s approval of the arrest warrant’s enforcement, Dela Rosa left and has since gone into hiding.
Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News
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