Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Wednesday dispelled viral social media rumors claiming that authorities had taken Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa into custody.
“In behalf of the PNP, we would like to confirm categorically that as of 6 p.m. last night, there [has] been no arrest for Senator Bato,” Remulla stated during an ambush interview with reporters.
Speculation erupted across social platforms Tuesday afternoon following unverified posts asserting that the lawmaker was apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
One claim alleged he was picked up at a motel in Davao City, while another asserted he was immediately being flown on a private aircraft to The Hague.
“There’s been a lot of speculation that he was already arrested and he’s being whisked away to The Hague. That’s not true…Senator Dela Rosa is still being hunted down,” Remulla clarified.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for the arrest of Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief who spearheaded the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug crackdown. He stands named as an alleged co-conspirator alongside former President Rodrigo Duterte in crimes against humanity charges before the tribunal.
Characterizing the viral arrest claims as “fake news,” Remulla reaffirmed law enforcement’s commitment to open communication.
“We’re always transparent in what we do,” he emphasized
Remulla guaranteed that legal safeguards will be strictly upheld once law enforcement tracks down and apprehends the senator.
“All the proper procedures will be observed according to the rule of law,” he noted.
Addressing inquiries on whether Dela Rosa would be taken straight to an airfield upon capture, Remulla outlined standard protocol: “We will go through the due process as prescribed.”
“He will be booked, he will made to appear in court,” he added.
The DILG chief refrained from identifying parties who might be aiding Dela Rosa while on the run.
When pressed for the lawmaker’s most recent location trace, Remulla asked for patience from the press: “Just wait. We will come up with the details as soon as possible.”