The Armed Forces on Tuesday said it will assist in the ongoing efforts to locate and arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, if requested by relevant agencies.
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the matter of arresting Dela Rosa is a law enforcement concern.
“The Philippine National Police is the frontline on this issue,” Padilla said, referring to the efforts against Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla announced last Friday a P50 million rewards for information that would lead to the arrest of Bato.
The PNP has formed a task force, headed by PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez, to track down and arrest Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa was named as one of the co-conspirators of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the crimes against humanity case he is facing before the International Criminal Court.
“Your Armed Forces of the Philippines will respond when called upon,” Padilla said, noting that the military has assisted the PNP in previous law enforcement operations.
“We’re ready to assist – from intelligence gathering to (actual) operation – in case the presence of the AFP is requested,” Padilla also said.
Padilla said the military will take the cue from the PNP in case the military is tapped in locating and arresting Dela Rosa.
“We leave the planning and then (we) do the execution. (It’s up to them) what role we have to play,” Padilla also said.