Lacson urges secrecy in Bato Dela Rosa manhunt

Philippine authorities face strict warnings regarding operational secrecy as the manhunt intensifies for fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who remains the target of an International Criminal Court warrant linked to the bloody war on drugs of the Duterte administration, newsinfo.inquirer.net reported.

Lacson urges secrecy in fugitive manhunt

Panfilo Lacson cautioned law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint when publicizing details about their next steps in tracking down the high-profile fugitive. SSSHHH… : When pursuing a high-profile target or handling a sensitive live case, secrecy discipline is key, unless disinformation is necessary to flush the quarry into the open, Lacson stated in a post on X, as cited by newsinfo.inquirer.net.

The Philippine National Police ramped up its search efforts after a one-week surrender ultimatum issued by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. lapsed on a Friday. Authorities were specifically advised to withhold solid information capable of solving the case until operations reach completion. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously established a P50-million bounty for actionable intelligence leading directly to the apprehension of Dela Rosa.

Expanding Investigations into Mindanao Travel

Beyond active tracker teams operating across all 18 regions of the country, the Philippine National Police launched an inquiry to uncover individuals who assisted Dela Rosa’s journey to Mindanao, where intelligence reports suggest he is currently hiding, according to Philstar.com. While records confirm that Senator Robinhood Padilla aided Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate building last May, investigators continue probing the exact transit methods used to reach the southern island.

We are still validating, looking into all of it, task group head and PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Wilson Lopez told Philstar.com, adding that citizens harboring the fugitive face criminal charges. The Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed full readiness to support the manhunt, offering water and air assets to assist police tracker teams. Meanwhile, General Nartatez assured the public that law enforcement will maintain professional standards, stating, We will pursue every lead, strengthen our coordination and exhaust all lawful means to implement the warrant but our determination must always be matched by professionalism and respect for human rights, as reported by Philstar.com.

Dela Rosa lawyers seek Supreme Court intervention

Concurrently, legal representatives for Dela Rosa urged the Supreme Court to urgently overturn its previous ruling denying a temporary restraining order against the enforcement of the International Criminal Court warrant, Rappler reported. Lawyer Israelito Torreon filed a manifestation arguing that recent escalation tactics—specifically the Department of the Interior and Local Government labeling the senator armed and dangerous alongside the P50-million bounty—directly threaten his constitutional right to life.

The high tribunal previously voted 9-5-1 to reject the petition for a temporary restraining order, ruling that the lawmaker lacked a clear right to protection while enjoying protective custody inside the Senate. The legal battle unfolds as family appeals emerge, including a public statement from Nancy Dela Rosa urging her husband’s former political allies to resist using him for personal motives.