Matibag says Bato has not left Phl

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Saturday said fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa remains in the Philippines despite an ongoing nationwide manhunt.

Matibag made the statement when asked about Dela Rosa, who went into hiding again after attending a Senate plenary session on 11 May following a six-month absence.

The senator remained under protective custody at the Senate building until 14 May before disappearing once more.

“We believe he is still here. It will be more difficult for him to leave the country because the warrant of arrest was issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), and there are about 122 countries that are members of the ICC,” Matibag said.

Dela Rosa remains at large as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) continue a nationwide manhunt using what authorities described as nontraditional, asymmetric tactics.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the operation remains “on track” and is moving relentlessly.

Because Dela Rosa is a former PNP chief familiar with standard police protocols and tracking procedures, authorities have shifted away from conventional methods in an effort to locate and arrest him.

Intelligence reports indicate that Dela Rosa remains in the country, moving across several provinces — including reported sightings in Pampanga — while using multiple vehicles and relying on a network of close associates.

The manhunt intensified after the Supreme Court denied Dela Rosa’s petition for a temporary restraining order, prompting the Department of Justice to direct the PNP and the NBI to serve the unsealed International Criminal Court warrant charging him with crimes against humanity.

Authorities are also tracking individuals suspected of helping Dela Rosa leave the Senate building on 14 May.

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