A human rights lawyer has issued a direct ultimatum to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla — either execute the arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa or vacate his post.
Attorney Dino de Leon, in a statement Thursday, framed the challenge around what he described as a visible pattern of institutional failure in pursuing high-profile fugitives under the current administration.
“Arrest Bato or resign,” De Leon said, addressing Remulla by name. “Do not add Bato to the growing list of wanted personalities whom the DILG has failed to arrest.”
De Leon drew pointed comparisons to Remulla’s predecessors and contemporaries in law enforcement. Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., he noted, oversaw successful operations that led to the apprehension of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy. Former Philippine National Police chief Nicanor Torre, likewise, was cited for moving decisively on prominent targets — including former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The lawyer identified dela Rosa as the latest addition to a list of wanted figures still at large, alongside businessman Atong Ang, who faces a warrant in connection with the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts.
“Spare this administration from further national embarrassment. This administration is already being perceived as weak. If you cannot do your job and enforce the law, then resign,” De Leon said.
He also took aim at what he called inter-agency “finger-pointing” over which body holds lead responsibility for serving the warrant — a dynamic he argued holds no water given that the Philippine National Police operates directly under the DILG’s supervision.
“If ordinary Filipinos can be arrested swiftly for minor offenses, there should be no special treatment for powerful officials,” De Leon said.
