THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) officially confirmed on Friday that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is still within Philippine territory, putting to rest rumors that he had already fled the country.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II initially kept details confidential, describing information regarding the senator’s exact location as “classified.” However, when directly asked to address reports that dela Rosa had escaped through unauthorized exit routes in the southern part of the country, Morico clarified his status.
“Senator Bato is still inside the country, and we will enforce that warrant of arrest,” Morico stated firmly.
The assurance comes as authorities move forward with the implementation of the arrest order issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dela Rosa is facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his role in the administration of the anti‑illegal drugs campaign during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte. With confirmation that he has not left the Philippines, law enforcement agencies remain committed to tracking his location and serving the warrant as soon as possible.
