The Philippine National Police (PNP) has received at least 500 pieces of information concerning the possible whereabouts of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as authorities continue efforts to locate him, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday.
Nartatez said police personnel had validated the information and conducted operations in locations identified through the reports. The leads reportedly came from different parts of the country, including Mindanao, the Visayas, and several areas in Luzon.
The PNP chief said the search for Dela Rosa is continuing alongside operations to locate other high-profile individuals, including former lawmaker Zaldy Co, Atong Ang, and former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag. He added that police and other law enforcement units are coordinating around the clock to implement outstanding warrants.
The development drew questions from netizens, with some expressing confusion over the reported volume of tips and previous statements about the senator’s possible whereabouts. Bro Rona Padulla remarked, “Lalo nang nalito kung nasaan.” Henry Cheng, meanwhile, questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported ₱50-million reward, commenting, “Akala ko sabi ni remulla alam na niya kung nasaan nagtatago si bsto? Bakit na bigay pa siya ng rewards?”
Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity in connection with killings linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.