DILG OFFERS P50-M REWARD FOR ARREST OF SEN. ‘BATO’ DELA ROSA

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday announced a P50-million bounty for the capture of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, intensifying government efforts to bring the senator before the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Speaking at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Remulla described Dela Rosa as armed and dangerous, stressing that his continued evasion of authorities must come to an end.

“We have given him (Sen. dela Rosa) all the courtesy that could be afforded a senator of the Republic of the Philippines, and he has shown nothing but cowardice by going into and remaining in hiding,” Remulla said.

“Next month, November, marks one year since the ICC issued a warrant of arrest for Senator Ronald ”Bato” Marapon dela Rosa for his alleged criminal responsibility in the deaths due to the Duterte administration’s policy on the war on drugs,” he added.

The ICC issued the arrest warrant on November 6, 2025, over Dela Rosa’s alleged responsibility for crimes against humanity. The warrant was unsealed on May 11, 2026.

Remulla disclosed that a dedicated task force headed by PNP Deputy Chief Lt. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez has been organized to locate and arrest the senator. The task force will oversee operational and tactical measures to bring Dela Rosa before the ICC.

Authorities have given Dela Rosa one week to surrender, warning that individuals found harboring or concealing him will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“Senator Bato mistook my gesture of negotiation as a sign of weakness. Now the gloves have to come off. It is time to bring justice to his victims,” Remulla declared.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. affirmed the police force’s readiness to carry out the operation, whether through peaceful surrender or enforcement action.

“The PNP is always ready for that whether peaceful or armed confrontation….whether with search warrant or arrest warrant. We have the necessary force, personnel, training for that…” Nartatez said.

Dela Rosa was last seen leaving the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City at approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 14, 2026.

Authorities continue to validate reported sightings in secluded and insurgency-affected areas of Western Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, Bicol, Metro Manila, and Southern Tagalog.

The DILG maintains that efforts to locate and arrest Dela Rosa will proceed in accordance with the law, as authorities pursue accountability for the alleged atrocities committed during the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.