FACT CHECK: ‘Shoot-to-kill’ Bato dela Rosa warning by Lordan Suan is fake

The lawmaker has categorically denied the claims made against him on social media

AT A GLANCE

• Cagayan de Oro Representative Lordan Suan denied making a threat to file a 'shoot-to-kill' resolution against Senator Ronald dela Rosa if he did not surrender by the deadline on October 30.
• The claim originated from a Facebook post by 'State News Online,' which has been rated as false, and has garnered significant online engagement.
• Dela Rosa is currently in hiding due to a pending arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, and there have been no reports of his surrender.

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Claim: Cagayan de Oro 1st District Representative Lordan Suan threatened Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa that he would file a “shoot-to-kill” resolution with the House committee if the Senator failed to surrender by the given deadline.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: Facebook page “State News Online,” which has over 34,000 followers, posted the claim on October 31, 2026. 

The post includes a quote card of Suan’s alleged statement. It reads, “If Bato Dela Rosa fails to surrender by the deadline, I will convene a House committee hearing and file a shoot-to-k*ll resolution.”

Netizens expressed their worry and questioned the legality of the proposed resolution.

The post has garnered over 63,900 reactions, 22,200 comments, and 2,300 shares as of writing.

The facts: On November 2, Suan categorically denied the circulating claim.

“I categorically deny having made any statement warning that I would convene a House committee hearing or file a so-called ‘shoot-to-kill’ resolution if Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa fails to surrender in connection with matters involving an International Criminal Court arrest warrant,” said Suan.

He clarified that he did not make or push for the alleged warning against Dela Rosa and will uphold due process. Suan added that these claims were fabricated and baseless.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also rejected calls for a “shoot-to-kill” approach to arresting Dela Rosa.

Bato in hiding: Dela Rosa has a pending arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on May 11. He suddenly appeared at the Senate on the day the warrant was issued and voted in the coup against former Senate president Tito Sotto.

Following the shooting incident at the Senate on May 13, however, Dela Rosa exited from the premises on the morning of May 14. Since then, Dela Rosa has not been seen in public.

On October 23, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP set a deadline for Dela Rosa to surrender on October 30. 

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla also said in a press conference that they will offer P50 million to whoever can provide information that could lead to Dela Rosa’s arrest.

On October 27, Dela Rosa, through his lawyer, Israelito Torreon, filed a manifestation with the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order on the ICC warrant.

As of writing, there are no reports on Dela Rosa’s arrest or surrender.

Suan fact-checks: Rappler has debunked fake links to alleged cash aid and rice subsidy registration websites:

• FACT CHECK: Quote card of CDO congressman Suan criticizing OFWs is fake
• FACT CHECK: CDO congressman Suan’s quote on Tacloban shooting is fake
• FACT CHECK: Lordan Suan did not say VP Sara is ‘unwelcome’ in Cagayan de Oro
• FACT CHECK: Lordan Suan quote criticizing VP Sara’s hospital visit is fake
• FACT CHECK: Suan did not propose Mima Alicia’s burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani

 – Lourence Angelo Marcellana/Rappler.com

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