(Photo courtesy of PNP)
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has received fewer than 500 tips concerning the possible whereabouts of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is reportedly facing an arrest warrant in connection with crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday, November 9, that information received by authorities came from various parts of the country, including Mindanao, the Visayas, and northern Luzon.
Nartatez said police investigators are continuing to evaluate and verify the reports to determine whether they could help establish the senator’s location.
The PNP is also conducting follow-up operations based on the information received, although authorities have yet to publicly confirm Dela Rosa’s whereabouts.
The police chief did not disclose specific locations or operational details, citing the continuing verification of intelligence reports.
Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, has been linked to the ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity arising from the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
The senator has been the subject of efforts by law enforcement authorities to establish his whereabouts amid reports of an ICC arrest warrant.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier offered a Php 50 million reward for information leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest.
The government also established a dedicated task force and activated police tracker teams nationwide to locate the senator.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on November 6 that it had obtained more specific information that could help determine Dela Rosa’s location.
Dela Rosa faces allegations of crimes against humanity involving killings linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
The PNP maintained that efforts to locate and arrest the senator would continue in accordance with the law and established procedures.
