PNP: Viral photo of Bato Dela Rosa at cemetery is ‘old’

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified that the circulating photo of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa at a cemetery in Digos City, Davao del Sur, was taken three years ago, warning the public against spreading misleading information.

“It was confirmed by our tech team that it was an old picture,” PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co told reporters at Camp Crame on Tuesday.

“This is old, and the owner of the photo himself commented that it’s from three years ago,” he added.

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Dela Rosa, who previously served as PNP chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte, is the subject of an arrest warrant over crimes against humanity charges filed before the International Criminal Court. He has been hiding since November 2025.

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Co reminded the public that those who spread misleading information could face consequences.

“We have made that clear, particularly regarding our hotline. Those who intend to mislead authorities, obstruct operations, or flood our hotline could face criminal charges or cases,” he warned.

READ: PNP rejects ‘shoot-to-kill’ calls vs. Bato Dela Rosa

The PNP has rejected calls for a “shoot-to-kill” operation in enforcing the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, following the spread of fabricated quote cards falsely attributing the demand to a lawmaker.

Co reiterated the PNP’s position on the manhunt, saying it would provide updates at the appropriate time. /mcm