Philippine authorities track fugitive Senator Ronald dela Rosa

Philippine authorities are actively searching for Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity related to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. Dela Rosa has been missing from public view since May 14, after evading agents while under Senate protective custody.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag stated that investigators have reliable leads regarding the senator’s location but are waiting for the right moment to ensure a clean arrest. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla added that negotiations are currently underway with purported ‘protectors’ of the senator, whom he described as ‘very powerful people.’

Remulla emphasized that the government aims to avoid casualties and wants Dela Rosa to surrender peacefully. He noted that the government is prepared to use economic and military levers to compel his surrender. Additionally, the Philippine National Police is working to take custody of 117 firearms registered to the senator, following the revocation of his licenses.