For nth time, gov’t orders: ‘Arrest Bato’

Figuratively whistling in the dark, Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida has again directed law enforcement agencies to enforce the active arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

The directive comes as the supposedly intense manhunt for the lawmaker, who faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign, has turned up empty.

Addressing the circumstances surrounding the senator’s disappearance from public view, Vida expressed dismay over how Dela Rosa left the premises of the Senate of the Philippines despite earlier expectations that he would remain under institutional protective custody while pursuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) before the Supreme Court.

“The executive branch expected him to remain under the protective custody of the Senate, and we respected the legal process while he sought a TRO,” Vida stated.

“Whether he escaped or was allowed to escape, it makes our institutions look laughable. I have already issued an order to our law enforcement agencies to implement the arrest warrant, as fulfilling our legal obligations is a duty we must uphold.”

Vida also addressed questions regarding the legality of the P50-million bounty recently announced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for information leading to Dela Rosa’s capture.

Within legal boundaries

While deferring specific operational comments to the agencies managing the reward, Vida maintained that the measure falls within legal bounds.

“I do not wish to comment extensively on matters handled by other agencies, but from my legal perspective, the bounty is lawful,” Vida explained.

“Rewards of this nature fall under confidential intelligence activities aimed at gathering actionable information. As part of a legitimate confidential operation, it is legally covered.”

The ICC issued the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa in November 2025, naming him a co-perpetrator in alleged crimes against humanity during his tenure as PNP chief.

After the Supreme Court denied his petition for a TRO in May 2026, the DoJ confirmed the warrant’s validity and issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order to prevent him from leaving the country.

In October 2026, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla declared the senator “armed and dangerous” and launched a dedicated task force alongside the P50-million reward.

Meanwhile, Secretary Vida confirmed that local officials in Mindanao, including Davao del Sur Vice Governor Marc Cagas, have assured the DoJ during recent regional dialogues in General Santos City that their jurisdictions will not serve as a sanctuary for the fugitive senator.

The Moro National Liberation Front has likewise issued an official statement denying rumors that it is sheltering Dela Rosa.

Authorities continue to urge Senator Dela Rosa to respect the rule of law and surrender peacefully to face the proceedings.