Senator Bato’s Alleged Role in War on Drugs

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. The former police chief and lead enforcer in the deadly so-called “war on drugs” during Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016-2022 presidency, is being pursued by authorities, though Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced this on Thursday, stating that anyone aiding in dela Rosa’s evasion of arrest would face consequences.

Vida emphasized that Senator Bato is a fugitive from justice and that the pursuit is aimed at achieving justice; However, he did not provide specific details on the leads authorities have regarding dela Rosa’s whereabouts. The senator’s lawyers indicated this week that he was in the Philippines.

Return from Hiding and Escalating Tensions

Dela Rosa emerged from six months of hiding last week and took refuge at the Senate for several days before slipping away in the early hours of May 14. This occurred following a night of chaos and gunfire, after he sought help and claimed his arrest was imminent.

As the former lead enforcer of Duterte’s campaign, dela Rosa oversaw a bloody security operation during which thousands of alleged drug dealers were shot dead in police operations. At the peak of the campaign. Murders of drug users spiked dramatically, with police attributing the killings to turf wars.

The ICC estimated that 12,000 to 30,000 people were killed between 2016 and 2019 in Duterte’s “war on drugs.” Dela Rosa denies incitement or involvement in any illegal killings during the period. Duterte himself is also accused of crimes against humanity and has been held in ICC custody in The Hague since March 2025, maintaining his innocence.

PNP Statement on Arrest Directive

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jose Melencio Nartatez stated on Thursday that the PNP acknowledged the Department of Justice’s directive and would carry out its mandate under the law. However, he did not confirm that an arrest would take place.

Nartatez assured the public that all actions taken by the PNP would remain impartial, professional, and within the bounds of the law, with full respect for the constitutional rights of all parties concerned. His comments came as the country grapples with political tensions and ongoing legal battles related to the war on drugs.