Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s whereabouts have been consistently monitored in multiple locations over the past several weeks, even as officials wait for clarity on whether an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest order has indeed been issued.
Remulla said that while Dela Rosa has avoided public view, authorities know his movements and are not treating him as a fugitive at this stage. “We know where he is and we’re still waiting to see if the court has actually issued an order (for his arrest),” he told GMA News.
Dela Rosa has not appeared in the Senate since Nov. 11, a week after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that the ICC had supposedly ordered his arrest in relation to the crimes against humanity case involving detained former president Rodrigo Duterte. According to information received by officials, Dela Rosa has been staying in different homes owned by friends and is transported using various vehicles each time he moves.
Remulla said his current whereabouts remain confidential and stressed that authorities would only act if an official document arrives through recognized channels. “Extrajudicial means of prosecuting the law are outdated. You do it according to the book,” he said. If the ICC transmits a formal warrant, the interior chief added, the Supreme Court’s guidelines on extradition will govern the next steps.
Amid the speculation, Nancy dela Rosa posted a photo with her husband on Facebook, captioned, “Thanks for dropping by. Missed you.”
Separately, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque — who is facing a human trafficking case — confirmed that he has asked a Pasig court to reconsider its order canceling his passport. The same action was taken against his co-accused, Cassandra Li Ong. Roque maintained that he is not evading authorities, noting that he has been in Europe while pursuing an asylum application in the Netherlands. He filed the asylum request on March 19, months before the criminal complaint was lodged.
