The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday urged Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to surrender as authorities continue operations to locate and arrest him based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
“Please surrender. We will respect you, your rights will be observed,” DILG chief Jonvic Remulla said in an appeal to Dela Rosa, who left the Senate premises on May 14, three days after what officials described as a failed attempt by the National Bureau of Investigation to arrest him.
Dela Rosa has been identified as among the alleged co-perpetrators of former president Rodrigo Duterte in the crimes against humanity case pending before the ICC.
Remulla said surrendering would prevent the situation from escalating further.
“Let us not prolong this because this may lead to something you don’t want, so it’s better if you surrender. We will treat you as an officer and a gentleman and we assure due process,” he said.
The Interior chief said police operations are ongoing nationwide to track down and arrest the senator.
“We have leads,” Remulla said, without giving further details.
On Wednesday, police conducted four law enforcement operations in Parañaque City, Angeles City in Pampanga, and Bulacan, but failed to locate Dela Rosa.
Remulla assured the public that authorities were following proper procedures in carrying out the operations.
“Everything is done according to police procedures. We’re not violating police procedures. We do not violate any rules. We do not aggressively go in without sufficient grounds,” he said.
Asked whether the government is considering a monetary reward for information leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest, Remulla said the option remains under study.
“We are considering that, but apparently it is not effective yet, so let’s see what’s needed,” he said.