DILG offers ₱50-million reward for allegedly 'armed and dangerous' Senator Bato Dela Rosa

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has offered a ₱50-million reward for information that could lead to the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

During a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that law enforcement agencies now consider Dela Rosa "armed and dangerous" as manhunt operations continue. Remulla confirmed that the ₱50-million bounty will be drawn from the joint intelligence funds of the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Remulla added that a specialized task force led by PNP Chief Directorial Staff Lt. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez has been created with the sole mission of locating and taking the senator into custody.

The DILG chief said the government had previously extended all possible courtesies to Dela Rosa as a sitting legislator, but maintained that the lawmaker mistook these efforts for weakness and failed to fulfill his duties by remaining out of public view.

“We have given all the courtesy that could be afforded as a senator of the Republic of the Philippines. But he has shown nothing but cowardice by remaining in hiding. Senator Bato mistook my gesture of negotiation as a sign of weakness. It’s time for the gloves to come off,” Remulla declared.

He underscored the urgent need to seek justice for the victims of the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign, during which Dela Rosa served as chief of the PNP.

“It’s time to bring justice to his victims,” Remulla added.

Dela Rosa has been absent from Senate duties since May amid stepped-up efforts by authorities to execute legal actions related to his ICC case.

“Next month, November, marks one year since the ICC (International Criminal Court) issued a warrant of arrest for Senator Bato Marapon Dela Rosa for his criminal responsibility in the deaths due to the Duterte administration's policy on the war on drugs,” Remulla noted.

In response to the bounty announcement and the DILG's latest directives, Dela Rosa's camp posted a brief statement on Facebook, writing simply: “No Comment.”