SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa made a significant return to the public eye on Monday appearing before authorities for the first time since November 2025.
The lawmaker, who had notably been absent from Senate sessions and public engagements for nearly six months, finally surfaced to respond to the summons issued by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) regarding alleged extrajudicial killings during the previous administration’s war on drugs.
His appearance marks a major development in the local investigation, coming amid intense international scrutiny and speculations surrounding his status.
Dela Rosa had kept a low profile since his name was implicated alongside former President Rodrigo Duterte in proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC). His decision to finally face the investigating body signals his willingness to participate in the domestic probe, even as legal clouds continue to hang over him internationally.
During the proceedings, Dela Rosa maintained his well-known stance, reiterating that he has “no regrets” regarding his actions while serving as chief of the Philippine National Police.
He stood by the legitimacy of the anti-drug operations, emphasizing that they were carried out in accordance with the law and for the safety of the public. Despite the serious allegations and the gravity of the cases being looked into, the senator appeared composed and remained defiant, asserting that he is ready to clear his name and answer all questions posed to him.
This development comes just days after the CIDG served the subpoena, which the senator’s camp initially refused to accept. With Dela Rosa finally facing investigators, the local inquiry gains momentum, even as the shadow of the ICC case continues to loom. Authorities have stressed that the investigation is being conducted to ensure due process and to establish the facts surrounding the thousands of deaths that occurred during the height of the campaign.
