The Philippine National Police (PNP) has received six additional firearms turned over by the camp of fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, bringing the total number of surrendered weapons to 26 following the revocation of his firearms licenses.
In a statement Monday night, the PNP said the latest batch of firearms was voluntarily surrendered through the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) and the Regional Civil Security Unit 4A, in coordination with local police. The items were handed over by an unnamed legal representative at the senator’s residence in Silang, Cavite and were accepted for “temporary safekeeping” under standard procedures.
The development comes after the PNP-FEO earlier revoked Dela Rosa’s License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registrations covering 117 weapons, citing legal grounds tied to his pending case. Under existing rules, firearms licenses may be cancelled when the holder faces charges punishable by at least two years of imprisonment.
The first tranche of 20 firearms was surrendered on June 11 at Dela Rosa’s residence in Davao City, also through a legal representative.
Dela Rosa has been named a co-conspirator in a crimes against humanity case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) involving former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the tribunal.
With the latest turnover, authorities said 91 registered firearms remain under the revocation order.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police institution will continue to act within legal bounds in handling the matter.
“The Philippine National Police remains committed to carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law and established procedures,” Nartatez said, adding that officers will perform their duties “professionally, fairly, and with respect for the legal rights of everyone involved.”