Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed hope that the voluntary turnover of 20 firearms linked to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa could pave the way for what he described as a peaceful and orderly resolution of the ongoing legal process involving the former police chief.
The firearms were surrendered on June 11 in Davao City through the senator’s authorized legal representative, following the revocation of his License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and corresponding firearm registrations.
PNP units under the Civil Security Group and the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) in Region 11 supervised the turnover, which included inventory checks, serial number verification, and physical inspection of the weapons before they were formally documented and transferred to the RCSU 11 office at Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin for safekeeping.
Nartatez said the development reflects initial compliance with legal orders but does not suspend ongoing police operations related to the senator’s whereabouts.
“The voluntary turnover of these 20 firearms by Senator Dela Rosa’s legal representative is a welcome step toward full compliance with the law following the revocation of his gun licenses, but it does not alter or halt our ongoing law enforcement mandates,” he said.
Police authorities said efforts remain active to locate Dela Rosa, who has not been seen publicly amid the enforcement of an existing arrest warrant linked to proceedings involving the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the previous administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
“Our operations to locate the Senator under existing legal directives remain fully active,” Nartatez said, adding that coordination among tracking units continues despite the turnover of firearms.
The PNP chief urged full compliance with remaining legal requirements, including the surrender of any additional unaccounted firearms registered under the senator’s name.
“We acknowledge this initial compliance through your legal counsel but we strongly urge you to fully surrender the remaining unaccounted firearms under your name and to formally face the legal processes ahead without further delay,” he said.
Nartatez emphasized that law enforcement actions will continue without interruption, while assuring adherence to due process and respect for individual rights.
“The PNP guarantees your safety and due process but the enforcement of the law will remain absolute, impartial, and unswayed by political circumstances,” he added.