Davao police say no trace yet of Sen. Bato dela Rosa in the region
Police Regional Office XI is monitoring reports that the senator, who faces an ICC arrest warrant, is in Davao Region, but says it has not confirmed his location.
Police in Davao Region have not confirmed reports that Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa is in the area, the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI said on Wednesday, according to Mindanao Times.
PRO XI spokesperson PMAJ Catherine Dela Rey told the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Oct. 28 that regional police are still checking the reports but have found no sign of the senator so far. "We are monitoring if Sir Bato is here, but so far, reports remain negative," Dela Rey said.
The Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said it is prepared to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) if asked. Division spokesperson MAJ Ruben Gadut said he could not confirm whether the 10ID would take part in any operation. He added that, as PRO XI had said, the senator is not in the region, and that the Armed Forces would provide intelligence and support to law enforcement should he be found elsewhere.
The regional statements come as the national police step up their search. At a separate briefing on Wednesday, the PNP spokesperson said mobile hotline numbers have been released so the public can report information on Dela Rosa's whereabouts. Special Action Force personnel and police tracker teams have also been deployed to locate and arrest him, Mindanao Times reported.
Dela Rosa is the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte. He has reportedly been in hiding since he left the Senate premises on May 14.
Why it matters for Davao
Dela Rosa has close ties to Davao, and regional police and military units say they are monitoring reports of his presence as the national manhunt intensifies. Residents with information can use the hotlines released by the PNP.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by Mindanao Times. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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