The Philippine National Police has given Sen. Bato dela Rosa one week to voluntarily surrender as authorities continue searching for him in connection with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police prefer a peaceful resolution and want to give the senator an opportunity to surrender before authorities enforce the warrant.
However, Nartatez said police personnel are prepared for possible developments during the operation, including an armed confrontation if necessary.
Authorities are also verifying information that could help establish dela Rosa’s whereabouts. Their efforts include checking possible contacts, relatives, friends and former colleagues from the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
According to Nartatez, intelligence personnel have conducted operations in several areas across Mindanao, the Bicol region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog.
The PNP has also formed a dedicated team led by Deputy Chief for Administration Gen. Wilson Lopez to locate and arrest the senator.
The team’s mission is to find dela Rosa, take him into custody and bring him before the Department of Justice, Nartatez said.
The police chief also warned that anyone found to be harboring or protecting the senator could face legal consequences under the law.
The PNP has not disclosed dela Rosa’s whereabouts in the provided report. Authorities continue to verify information and pursue leads as the search operation proceeds.
The one-week period is intended to give the senator an opportunity to surrender voluntarily, while police remain prepared to carry out the arrest operation if needed.
