The Philippine National Police (PNP) remains on track in its ongoing pursuit of fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa despite the challenges posed by his law enforcement background, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Wednesday.

Remulla said the PNP, together with other government instrumentalities, continues to track Dela Rosa’s whereabouts actively but declined to disclose operational details to protect ongoing efforts.

“We are on track. The operation is ongoing. I cannot disclose any details at this point, but we are actively pursuing him,” Remulla said.

Dela Rosa was last seen in the early hours of 14 May, leaving the Senate with fellow Senator Robin Padilla after making an appearance following an extended absence. He has not been seen publicly or at the Senate since.

Remulla acknowledged that locating Dela Rosa, as well as former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, has proven challenging because of their previous service in law enforcement and their familiarity with police procedures.

Step ahead

“They are familiar with police procedures. They know what the next move will be, which puts them one step ahead because they already know the standard operating procedures,” he said.

Because of this, the DILG Secretary said authorities have shifted from conventional law enforcement methods and are employing more adaptive strategies to locate and apprehend the fugitives.

“We have to take an asymmetric approach to capturing them. We can’t rely on the usual techniques, so we’re now employing different methods and strategies to apprehend them,” Remulla emphasized.

Remulla assured the public that law enforcement authorities will continue pursuing fugitives relentlessly, whether they are hiding within the country or abroad.

“The law will continue to take its course, and we will continue to pursue those who seek to evade justice,” he said.