The Philippine National Police (PNP) has renewed its appeal for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender as the one-week deadline given to him expires.
PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez said Dela Rosa should consider the safety of police officers involved in efforts to locate him.
Lopez said that if the senator still considers himself the “father of the PNP,” he should not allow any police officer to get hurt while authorities are searching for him.
The police official also confirmed that the PNP has yet to receive any indication that Dela Rosa intends to surrender.
Meanwhile, the PNP has received numerous calls through hotlines established for individuals who may provide information about the senator’s possible whereabouts.
Lopez said authorities are still verifying the information received from callers.
The developments come as Dela Rosa questions the government’s ₱50-million reward for information leading to his arrest, saying it places his life in serious danger.
In a petition filed before the Supreme Court, the senator asked the justices to stop authorities from arresting him and surrendering him to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dela Rosa argued that declaring him a fugitive who is “armed and dangerous,” alongside the announcement of a financial reward, could encourage the use of lethal force against him.
The senator is among eight individuals identified by ICC prosecutors as alleged co-perpetrators in the anti-drug campaign during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The campaign has been linked to the deaths of thousands of suspected drug offenders and drug users.
As the PNP’s one-week deadline reaches its final day, authorities continue to appeal for Dela Rosa’s voluntary surrender while verifying information about his possible location.
