PNP reiterates call for Bato dela Rosa's surrender as deadline nears

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The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday reiterated its appeal for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender as the deadline set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) nears.

“Again, the same appeal that we are giving to him and his family. Let's end this with dignity on your part,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said during a press briefing.

Co said authorities want to avoid any violent encounters, injuries, or deaths during the ongoing manhunt for the senator.

“Let's avoid any untoward incidents, any potential dangerous encounters, or any harm that may come to anybody. We would like to avoid any injuries, any violent encounters, and of course, pinakamasama na po is mayroon pong masawi dito sa (worst, fatalities in the) operation,” he said.

The one-week deadline given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for Dela Rosa to surrender expires on Friday.

Co declined to disclose specific details of its manhunt operations as this could compromise the efforts of police personnel and put them in danger.

He noted that authorities are not expecting wanted individuals to remain in one place. For him, intensified operations and the announcement of a reward could restrict Dela Rosa's movements.

The government has offered a P50-million reward for information that could lead to the senator's location and arrest.

Co clarified that the reward is intended for individuals who can provide tips or information to authorities, and not for civilians to personally arrest the senator or take the law into their own hands.

Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the crimes against humanity case arising from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

The senator is accused of being a co-perpetrator in the alleged crimes.

The DILG earlier claimed that Dela Rosa was hiding in Mindanao under the protection of an “armed and powerful group,” but did not identify the group. — RSJ, GMA News