MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday confirmed that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was still in the country as law enforcement intensified efforts to locate and arrest him.
“Just like Atong Ang, Sen. Bato is still in the country,” Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Crame.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that the manhunt for the senator was now on as tracker teams have been deployed to serve the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant following greenlight from the Department of Justice (DOJ) even without the issuance of a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization.
The PNP chief said all units involved had been ordered to apply maximum tolerance and professionalism throughout the operation. As soon as he gets arrested, the PNP will turn over the senator to the DOJ.
"Our mandate is clear, but I am emphasizing to our personnel that operational discipline is paramount. There will be no shortcuts and every movement will be heavily aligned with existing protocols to protect constitutional rights and maintain public trust," Nartatez said in a statement.
