Romanticizing Bato

The case of “missing in action” Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has sparked discussions beyond political rivalry, raising questions about public accountability and law enforcement capabilities.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced a P50-million bounty for Bato’s capture. Malacañang clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not personally order the bounty; it was part of an operational and intelligence strategy implemented by the police.

Some congressmen initially claimed the House of Representatives had issued a “shoot-to-kill” resolution against Bato. This was denied, however, by other lawmakers.

The PNP also dismissed the rumors of a shoot-to-kill order as unfounded and a distraction from more pressing issues. The government’s narrative that Bato should face justice appears to be weakening amid growing frustration over his current whereabouts.

Bato is not only a senator, he is the former PNP chief most closely associated with the controversial and brutal war on drugs during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

While the International Criminal Court in The Hague is pursuing a crimes against humanity case against them, local courts have not yet issued an arrest warrant, which Bato cites as his reason for remaining in hiding.

The PNP has urged the public to trust only verified information. However, misinformation is rapidly spread through social media. Could the PNP do more to establish itself as a reliable source of truth?

The political landscape is tense and filled with distrust. The recent communication from the PNP raises doubts about the truthfulness of official statements and the political environment that enables misinformation to thrive.

Trust in law enforcement is a fragile thing. Statements must be backed by clear actions that demonstrate a commitment to human rights. Rhetoric is not enough; implementing humane practices in law enforcement will help restore faith in police and other justice institutions.

The denial of a shoot-to-kill order and the House resolution show the chaotic communication landscape of contemporary politics. Social media, while powerful, can also fuel confusion, spread distorted information, and destabilize democratic processes.

How can we expect our law enforcement agencies to act justly and with integrity when their operations are being questioned in public forums? The P50-million reward for information leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest is a desperate measure, especially since he has evaded capture for so long while issuing public statements and taunting his would-be captors.

Bato’s ongoing status as a fugitive should remind both the police and politicians that they do not control the narrative. In fact, Bato is shaping the public’s perception of police actions and influencing how people react.

Media and society are romanticizing Bato’s circumstances, sometimes focusing on a simplified, heroic narrative shaped by political beliefs rather than recognizing the complex realities and valuable lessons inherent in the political struggle.

By witnessing Bato’s demeanor and those who are similarly situated, we can extract valuable lessons from their political struggles, not by recognizing them as tales of valor, but as a reminder that everyone must ultimately confront their accusers.

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