(DC file photo)
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has denied allegations that it is sheltering or providing protection to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in Mindanao, dismissing the claims as unverified speculation.
In a statement dated November 1, the MNLF clarified that the senator has no established formal relationship with the organization and that there is no verified evidence linking him to its membership or operations.
The group maintained that allegations suggesting it is protecting Dela Rosa have no confirmed factual basis.
“The claim that the MNLF may be protecting him is speculation, not a confirmed fact,” the organization said.
The MNLF also emphasized that there is “no verified evidence” that Dela Rosa is a member, an operational ally, or currently under its protection.
While acknowledging that the senator may have personal or political connections with certain individuals associated with the MNLF, the group stressed that such relationships do not establish organizational involvement in providing him shelter or security.
The clarification came amid speculation about Dela Rosa’s whereabouts following intensified efforts by authorities to locate the senator in connection with developments involving the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up efforts to locate Dela Rosa, with tracker teams deployed nationwide as authorities pursue information regarding his whereabouts.
The MNLF’s statement sought to distinguish personal relationships involving individuals associated with the organization from any official action or commitment by the group.
The organization reiterated that claims of its involvement in protecting the senator remain unsubstantiated and should not be treated as established facts.
Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief who oversaw the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, has faced scrutiny in connection with the ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity arising from the campaign.
The senator has previously defended the government’s anti-drug operations and denied wrongdoing.
