MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III stated on Friday that he is prepared to help implement the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa should President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issue a formal directive for such action.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum, Torre emphasized that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority remains an integral part of the government and stands ready to join manhunt efforts or related operations when called upon by national authorities. He noted the agency’s willingness to coordinate with other law enforcement bodies to support any official action involving the senator.
At the same time, Torre clarified that the MMDA’s participation would be limited in scope and jurisdiction. He explained that the agency’s role would be restricted to providing assistance within areas under its mandate, while leaving the primary enforcement and legal handling to the appropriate police or investigative units.
Drawing from his background as a former Philippine National Police chief, Torre has prior experience leading high‑profile operations, including those that resulted in the apprehension of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa has not been seen in public since leaving the Senate premises last May 14. Although questions continue to surround his current location, his camp has insisted that he is not evading accountability.
They have maintained that the senator is ready to face complaints and legal proceedings within the country, stressing that the Philippines has its own functional judicial system. As of Friday, no official presidential order or directive regarding his arrest had yet been issued or confirmed.
