THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued multiple subpoenas as part of its widening investigation into the escape of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as allegations of obstruction of justice and concealment of persons of interest.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said in a media briefing on Tuesday that a special panel of prosecutors had ordered the production of records from the Senate, the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)–Firearms and Explosives Office to establish a detailed documentary trail.
Vida said a letter was also issued to lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, who earlier claimed knowledge of Dela Rosa’s whereabouts. He was asked to submit any information in his possession that could help authorities locate and arrest the fugitive senator.
“This is an opportunity for him to cooperate with legal processes and assist law enforcement authorities in the proper service of the ICC warrant,” Vida said.
He added that public claims of knowledge on a fugitive’s location would be carefully assessed, and that people making such statements may be required to substantiate them with evidence.
Vida said the Office of the Senate Secretary was subpoenaed to submit internal security documentation, including entry and exit logs, personnel deployment records and reports from the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
He said these documents are crucial in reconstructing movements within the Senate compound on May 13 and 14, when a shooting incident occurred and when Dela Rosa slipped out of the compound.
“Every time a person enters the Senate, there is identification, time stamping and documentation. The same applies when they exit. We are requesting those records to establish a factual timeline,” he said.
The DOJ also required the submission of a full inventory of firearms owned by the Senate, including issuance documents identifying which officials or employees were assigned specific weapons.
Authorities said this includes verification of a firearm reportedly seen in circulating video footage, described as a “Scorpion” type weapon.
Vida said the subpoenas aim to clarify accountability over weapons within government custody.
“We are asking for the inventory of firearms owned by the Senate and the corresponding issuance documents to determine who had possession or control over these items,” he said.
The COA was directed to submit audit records covering Senate assets, particularly firearms and other regulated equipment, to verify compliance with government property and accountability rules.
In a parallel move, the PNP–Firearms and Explosives Office was ordered to produce records of firearms registered under the Senate, including ownership and licensing information.
Vida said the coordinated subpoenas form part of a broader fact-finding effort tied to the enforcement of the ICC warrant, as well as the determination of whether obstruction of justice may have occurred.
He cited provisions under obstruction laws that penalize concealing offenders, tampering with evidence, misleading authorities, witness interference and delaying legal proceedings.
“If any of these acts are committed, they are punishable under the law. For public officials, there is an additional penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office,” Vida said.
Vida said the authorities continue to treat the ICC warrant as valid and enforceable, and that operational efforts to locate Dela Rosa remain ongoing.
He declined to provide details on the possible issuance of an International Criminal Police Organization Red Notice, saying such matters are handled operationally and not subject to public disclosure.
“That goes into operational matters. We will not second-guess what the ICC is doing, but for Philippine jurisdiction, the warrant is valid and enforceable,” he said.
Vida also addressed questions on whether other people, including Sen. Robinhood Padilla, could be included in the probe after public admissions that they helped transport the senator.
He said the panel of prosecutors will evaluate all statements, admissions and factual circumstances to determine whether probable liability exists.
“We will study everything. Based on admissions and factual circumstances, we assess whether there is a basis to conclude that a person may be liable,” he said.
Vida said the investigation remains in its early stage, describing it as part of an ongoing case buildup.
“This is still the initial phase. Evidence gathering is ongoing. Once we enter preliminary investigation, parties will be given full rights, including the opportunity to submit counter-affidavits,” he said.
He said the DOJ remains open to receiving voluntary submissions from individuals who may have relevant information.
“We are open not only to complainants or victims, but to anyone who can provide facts that will help us fulfill our mandate,” Vida said.
On calls for a reward system for information on Dela Rosa’s whereabouts, Vida said there is currently no such plan, citing existing intelligence cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
He also appealed to the senator to respect legal processes.
“He is an incumbent senator and a former public official sworn to uphold the law. We are appealing for cooperation with the rule of law,” he said.
Vida added that the DOJ stands ready to enforce the ICC warrant with the support of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the PNP, should operational directives require it.
“We are always ready to fulfill our mandate for the country and for justice,” he said.
Gun permits to be canceled
The PNP on Tuesday said it has started canceling the firearms licenses under Dela Rosa’s name.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the statement in response to the earlier request made by the NBI to revoke the policeman-turned-lawmaker’s gun permits as he continues to evade arrest.
Nartatez said there were more than 100 guns registered under Dela Rosa’s name.
Dela Rosa first went into hiding in November 2025 amid rumors that he is the next to be turned over to the ICC after former president Rodrigo Duterte.
He resurfaced on May 11 to cast a crucial vote that installed his ally Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president.
He then went into hiding again, after the ICC confirmed its issuance of a warrant for his arrest. He was named as an “indirect co-perpetrator” of Duterte in the killings connected to the bloody war on drugs.
Duterte was arrested in March 2025 and sent to the ICC in The Hague, the Netherlands, to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
News blackout
The PNP on Tuesday said it will cease giving updates on Dela Rosa so as not to compromise the ongoing manhunt against the lawmaker.
“We wish to inform all members of the media that, while we deeply value and respect the role of the press in keeping the public informed, we are now unable to provide further statements regarding the case of Sen. Bato Dela Rosa at this time,” PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co told reporters during a briefing at Camp Crame.
“The matter involves an active and ongoing law enforcement operation, and any premature disclosure of information may compromise the integrity of the proceedings and the safety of all parties involved,” he said.
Police Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director, earlier said the police are not underestimating Dela Rosa’s capacity for intelligence given his decadeslong experience in law enforcement.
“The mindset of Sen. Bato Dela Rosa is the same as the mindset of the Philippine National Police personnel who are active now. You must remember that he used to be a PNP officer,” Morico said in a press briefing last week.
Firearms violation
The Firearms License Revocation and Restoration Board (FLRRB) of the PNP said that even before the NBI request, they had conducted an investigation into Dela Rosa’s guns.
Police Lt. Col. Domer Tadeo of the FLRRB cited violations of Section 4G of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Section 4G requires that an applicant should never have had any conviction or does not have a pending criminal case before any court of law for a crime that is punishable with a penalty of more than two years.
Dela Rosa is now a subject of a nationwide manhunt as authorities implement an arrest warrant from the ICC for his role in the Duterte administration’s drug war.
