Few figures have sparked as much controversy and captured as much attention as Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Known for his tough-on-crime stance and strong support of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, his unexpected disappearance from the public eye has raised many questions about whether this was intentional.

Bato is a larger-than-life character. From his time as the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to his current role as a senator, he has been both a champion of the Duterte administration’s policies and a polarizing figure. I covered Bato in the PNP when I was much younger, as a reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Bato’s amiable demeanor, strong voice and support for law enforcement earned him both admiration and criticism.

Bato’s sudden withdrawal from public engagements and his somewhat mysterious disappearance have left many wondering if he is indeed hiding or just hibernating. It may have started with the claim by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is currently abroad, that an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) had been issued for Dela Rosa in connection with the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs. This revelation could have sent shock waves through the senator’s circle, prompting him to retreat from the public eye.

It raises alarm bells when the country’s police force itself appears clueless about locating a recognizable figure like Bato. The acting PNP chief admitted that there is still no basis to arrest Bato, as there is no warrant or justifiable reason for his arrest. But it would be prudent for the police intelligence community to start locating Bato now and prepare for any eventuality, or else they risk embarrassment if Bato manages to remain undetected once the arrest order is out. 

Remember, Bato was the former PNP chief; he knows how the police operate and surely knows how to evade his former comrades.

The situation is particularly striking against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about human rights and law enforcement accountability in the Philippines. The war on drugs has left an indelible mark on our society and the rhetoric surrounding it has raised important questions regarding justice and due process.

What does it indicate about our political climate when a key government figure can vanish without a trace? This is not only about Bato Dela Rosa; it raises questions about the state of our democracy and the responsibilities we entrust to our elected officials.

Bato’s silence and the failure to bring him back into the public eye could signify another nightmare for law enforcement.

Whether Bato returns to the public eye or remains missing, the Marcos administration will face public scrutiny. As a senator, Bato will continue to receive his salary and other perks even while he is not present to fulfill his duties. The public and political commentators alike will closely monitor how the administration addresses this unusual circumstance.

If the senator truly cares about his responsibilities and the people who elected him, he should return and put an end to the speculation. Senator Bato, come out, come out wherever you are.