The DILG has announced a ₱50-million bounty for Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who authorities have classified as “armed and dangerous,” while the Philippine National Police (PNP) gave him one week to surrender over an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
On Friday, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the reward during a press briefing, noting that next month will mark one year since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Dela Rosa on Nov. 6, 2025, over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
“We have given him all the courtesy that could be afforded as senator of the Republic of the Philippines. But he has shown nothing but cowardice by going into and remaining in hiding,” Remulla said.
“Senator Bato mistook my gesture of negotiation as a sign of weakness. It’s time for the gloves to come off. It’s time to bring justice to his victims,” he added.
Remulla then declared, “As of today, Senator Bato will be considered armed and dangerous,” as he announced the bounty.
A special task force headed by PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Joseph Wilson Lopez has been formed to locate and arrest Dela Rosa. The operation will involve intelligence and tactical teams, with authorities confirming that its objective is to apprehend the senator and turn him over to the Department of Justice.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that Dela Rosa has one week to surrender, stressing that authorities prefer a peaceful resolution but are prepared for an armed confrontation if necessary.
Dela Rosa was last publicly seen leaving the Senate premises at around 2:30 a.m. on May 14, accompanied by Sen. Robin Padilla, hours after a shooting incident involving Senate security personnel and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents.
Dela Rosa had returned to the Senate on May 11 after months away from public view and was placed under Senate protective custody amid attempts to enforce the ICC warrant. His departure three days later raised questions about how he was able to leave despite the presence of police and security personnel.
During the Oct. 23 briefing, police said intelligence teams had searched areas across Western and Eastern Mindanao, Bicol, Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog. Authorities said they continued to verify information regarding dela Rosa’s possible movements, contacts and whereabouts.
The PNP also warned that individuals or groups found sheltering the senator could face legal consequences. Remulla had earlier cautioned that an attempt to arrest dela Rosa could result in a bloody confrontation, potentially even bloodier than the Marawi siege.
The ICC alleges that dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018, bears criminal responsibility for killings committed during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. He has denied wrongdoing and challenged the international court’s jurisdiction over the case.
