Authorities reportedly knew where Sen. Bato dela Rosa is hiding
The Philippine National Police (PNP) maintained on Wednesday, September 9, that ongoing police operations will ultimately result in the arrest of Senator Ronald Bato Dela Rosa, despite reports claiming that he is currently shielded by highly influential individuals.
PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co made this statement just one day after Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla announced that law enforcement is closing in on Dela Rosa, based on a report from Malaya Business Insight.
“We know where he is, but there are negotiations now with his protectors, and I think we’ll get him soon. He’s being protected by very powerful people,” Remulla said on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Remulla explained that the government is negotiating with Dela Rosa’s protectors. When asked why, he said, “It involves body bags… There will be casualties… and we don’t want to go there yet.“
The DILG Secretary also said that the Senator should surrender peacefully, stating that the government will exhaust all its resources to get him out from where he is hiding.
Co commented on this. “What we can confirm is that our efforts are ongoing and relentless. We will not deviate, and we will not be disrupted from doing our duty,” the PNP spokesperson said.
However, Co refused to reveal details on the efforts that the authorities are doing to arrest Dela Rosa, because these might compromise their operations. “(These details) could pose a danger to the safety of everyone involved, not just our personnel but everyone involved,” he said.
Refusing to address ongoing difficulties, Co emphasized that police efforts to apprehend Sen. Bato Dela Rosa are not slowing down.
“His last location is part of operational details. So we are sorry for not being able to discuss it publicly. This may compromise our operations. I hope you understand,” the PNP spokesperson said.
When asked if the Senator is still in the country, Co answered that their latest information stated that Dela Rosa is still in the Philippines.
To recall, an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court for Dela Rosa, who is named as a co-conspirator in the crimes against humanity case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte.
