Malacañang on Tuesday called on Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to surrender to authorities, warning that going into hiding sets a dangerous precedent for other fugitives facing legal proceedings.
During a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that as a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and sitting lawmaker, Dela Rosa holds a responsibility to respect the judicial process.
“Huwag siyang maging ehemplo, huwag siyang maging modelo sa mga taong mayroong kinakaharap na warrant of arrest at magtatago. Bilang dating miyembro ng kapulisan, siya po ang dapat na unang gumagalang sa batas, unang nagpapatupad ng batas lalung-lalo na siya ay senador,” Castro said.
“So, huwag siyang maging ehemplo para sa ibang, sabihin nating mga pugante na magtago dahil siyang gagawing idolo,” she added.
The statement comes after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced a P50 million bounty for information leading to Dela Rosa’s capture. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously described the senator as “armed and dangerous.”
The PNP has granted Dela Rosa a one-week deadline to turn himself in. Castro confirmed that law enforcement agencies will launch an active nationwide manhunt if the senator fails to surrender within the specified timeframe.
Dela Rosa, who spearheaded the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign and “Operation Tokhang” as top cop, faces charges alongside former President Rodrigo Duterte in the crimes against humanity complaint filed before the International Criminal Court (ICC).