THE legal representatives of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa have turned over 20 firearms registered under his name to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to reports, these weapons were all licensed to the senator and listed under his address in Barangay Ma‑a, Davao City. The surrender took place on June 11 at the office of the PNP Regional Civil Security Unit 11 (RCSU 11) inside Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin, Davao City, where authorities issued official acknowledgment receipts to his camp.
The turnover follows a directive issued on May 27 by the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), which revoked dela Rosa’s licenses to possess firearms. The agency cited existing regulations that disqualify individuals from holding gun licenses if they face criminal cases carrying a penalty of more than two years of imprisonment. Under that order, all 117 firearms registered in his name were required to be immediately surrendered, deposited with the FEO or its regional units, or confiscated for proper disposition in line with national laws.
The PNP Civil Security Group said the process was carried out in a structured and orderly manner, with the weapons now placed under official police custody and safekeeping. This development comes as dela Rosa faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with crimes against humanity allegations linked to the previous administration’s anti‑drug campaign — the same case that also involves former President Rodrigo Duterte. The revocation of his licenses and the surrender of his firearms are part of the legal and administrative consequences stemming from his inclusion in the ICC proceedings.
metrosundaily
