Davao regional police urge Sen. Bato dela Rosa to surrender peacefully

The Police Regional Office (PRO) XI has asked Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to voluntarily turn himself in to authorities. It said police would rather avoid force but are prepared to carry out lawful and justified measures if needed, according to Mindanao Times.

In a public advisory, the regional command said it hoped the senator, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), would respect the judicial process and public safety. It said it wanted a peaceful resolution so that no operating personnel are hurt. "If he still has loyalty [to] the Philippine National Police in his heart, we know he will not let any member of the PNP get hurt," the advisory read.

At the national level, the PNP has formed a dedicated task group to oversee and coordinate the search for dela Rosa. The task group is headed by PLTGEN Wilson Joseph F. Lopez, officer-in-charge and deputy chief PNP for Administration, under PNP Director General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. At a press briefing on Friday, Oct. 30, Lopez said the group was organised after instructions from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Similar teams have been set up in all regional offices.

Lopez said the one-week period given for voluntary surrender ended that day, and that the PNP is intensifying intelligence-driven operations. He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines has signalled readiness to help, including with air and water assets, although no formal written request has been made.

Police said they have received numerous calls and tips through public hotlines since a ₱50-million bounty was announced, but all leads and reported locations are still being validated. Information from the Bureau of Immigration indicated that the senator has not left the country, Lopez said, declining to give operational details.

Lopez said the option to surrender remains open despite the deadline passing. He also warned that people who knowingly hide or harbour persons subject to lawful arrest may face legal liability, depending on the circumstances.

Nartatez said efforts to serve the warrant must be carried out with professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights. "We want this matter resolved peacefully, without unnecessary harm to anyone," he said.