A joint team from the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided a house inside a subdivision in Angeles City, Pampanga early Wednesday as part of the ongoing manhunt for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who has been evading arrest under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
The search, carried out around 6 a.m., targeted a property that Barangay Balibago chairman Joseph Ponce identified as reportedly owned by a relative of Senator Robin Padilla. Ponce said CIDG units coordinated with local officials ahead of the operation, which was also connected to the search for vehicles believed to have been used in dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate.
Neither dela Rosa nor the vehicles associated with him were found at the property.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag, speaking on Super Radyo dzBB, confirmed that agents visited multiple locations flagged by incoming reports. “Meron po talagang mga identified areas na according to mga reports sa amin nawa nandodoon si Senator Bato. So amin po itong binisita upang po malaman at kung mava-validate po namin yung mga ulat sa amin kung nandodoon po si Senator Bato,” he said.
Matibag said the leads were drawn from individuals known to have had prior contact or connections with the senator. He added that dedicated tracking teams and available technology remain deployed, and noted that dela Rosa’s background in law enforcement may be informing his evasion. Subpoenas are also being prepared for persons who may have been in communication with him.
The CIDG said a press briefing is scheduled for Thursday, during which the agency will address its recommendation to file obstruction of justice complaints against Padilla, along with details of Wednesday’s operation.
From a legal standpoint, ICC Assistant to Counsel Atty. Kristina Conti cautioned that dela Rosa’s continued concealment could seriously damage his standing before the court — particularly if he later attempts to seek interim release or temporary liberty. “Parang mahihirapan ang korte na tingnan siya with favor in the sense na itong taong ito ay hindi magpapakita at hindi pahuhuli, hindi basta-basta magko-cooperate sa court,” she said in an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita.
Conti drew a parallel between dela Rosa’s situation and that of former president Rodrigo Duterte, though for distinct reasons. “Kay Duterte dahil siya mismo ayaw kilalanin ang jurisdiction ng court. Ito namang isa dahil hindi nagko-cooperate sa korte,” she said.
While dela Rosa’s evasion may not constitute an aggravating factor in determining penalties, Conti noted that voluntary surrender and demonstrated cooperation with the ICC would work in his favor.
