PRO 11 says viral photo of Sen. Bato dela Rosa at Digos memorial park is three years old

A widely shared photograph of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa at Digos City Memorial Park was taken roughly three years ago and does not show a visit during this year's Undas observance, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) said on Wednesday, according to Edge Davao.

The image first spread through a social media post by Rey Anthony Malig-on and was later used in a Daily Tribune news report. That report raised questions about whether Dela Rosa had been in Davao del Sur during the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day observance in 2026.

PRO 11 said that after verification, it confirmed the photograph was old and did not document a recent visit by the senator to the memorial park in Digos City. Malig-on himself also stated in the comment section of the Daily Tribune's online article that the photo was not recent, Edge Davao reported.

According to the report, the police moved to clarify the photo's date and context because of public interest in Dela Rosa's whereabouts, and to prevent misleading interpretations.

Acting PRO 11 Regional Director Brigadier General Benigno L. Guzman reminded the public to be careful when sharing material online, especially photographs posted without their original dates or context. He warned that old images and unverified posts can easily cause confusion when presented as current events.

Guzman said the reminder is in line with the call of Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. for responsible and truthful communication with the public.

PRO 11 urged social media users to check the source, authenticity and date of photos and other information before reposting. The regional office also encouraged the public to rely on verified information and to exercise discernment with viral posts, particularly those involving public officials and personalities.