Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, on Saturday, urged the House Quad Committee (Quadcomm) to shift its focus towards addressing the rising crime rates in the country, rather than detaining current and former officers "who are serving the land in good faith."

"That's what Quadcomm should be investigating — the root causes of these incidents. Why are there more criminals now with the audacity to shoot at police?" dela Rosa said after visiting the wake of Reynaldo Bigno Jr.

Bigno was tragically shot to death by a policeman allegedly under the influence of drugs inside a passenger bus in Makilala, Cotabato.

Dela Rosa also pointed to the contempt citation given to former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Chief Wilkins Villanueva for refusing to answer questions during a Quadcomm hearing on 12 December.

The former police chief emphasized that criminals feel more emboldened now because they believe no one holds power over them, not even the authorities.

"Now, the number of drug addicts has increased again, the pushers have become bolder, and the drug lords, kidnappers — everyone — is more daring," he added.

Dela Rosa has long criticized the House panel, particularly since its investigations into the deaths linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs — of which he was a key figure.

He expressed concern that testimonies gathered during these hearings could potentially be used by the International Criminal Court against them.

The Quadcomm has also linked the Duterte administration to crimes involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

In December 2024, the House panel recommended charges against Duterte, dela Rosa, Senator Bong Go, and other former police officials over their alleged involvement in the deaths during the Duterte administration's anti-illegal drug campaign.