Bato remains an elusive quarry

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that the provincial government of Davao del Sur has formally assured the Department of Justice (DoJ) that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is not currently within the province.

The assurance was conveyed directly to Secretary Vida by Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas and Vice Governor Marc Cagas during an official dialogue held on 9 November 2026 in General Santos City.

According to Secretary Vida, provincial officials committed to upholding the rule of law and not serving as a sanctuary or haven for any individual subject to an active arrest warrant.

Coordination strengthened

Vida, accompanied by National Bureau of Investigation director Melvin Matibag, met with local chief executives across Mindanao and leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to reinforce coordination between national law enforcement agencies and local government units.