DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla
MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government was “on track” to arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
“Our operations are ongoing. I can’t speak about what we’re doing, but we’re actively pursuing him,” Remulla said of Dela Rosa in an interview on dzMM on Wednesday.
Article continues after this advertisement
“He knows all police procedures … So we can’t just use the usual techniques. So now, we’re employing other techniques and other strategies to get him,” he added.
READ: PNP: Dela Rosa to be arrested if he resurfaces for impeachment trial
A former Philippine National Police chief, Dela Rosa has been ordered arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for being a “coperpetrator” in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war.
The senator was last seen leaving the Senate premises with Sen. Robinhood Padilla in the early hours of May 14.
Before that, the Senate had placed him in its protective custody after he suddenly showed up in the chamber on May 11 after a six-month disappearance following reports that the ICC had issued a warrant for his arrest. The senator cast the crucial 13th vote that clinched the Senate presidency for Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
Article continues after this advertisement
On the other hand, Roque is wanted by an Angeles City, Pampanga court on charges of human trafficking in connection with his alleged involvement in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub linked to illegal activities.
Application denied
The former presidential spokesperson of Duterte reportedly left the country in September 2024 to avoid being arrested by the House of Representatives, which had cited him in contempt for defying its orders in connection with its investigation into the Pogo hub.
Article continues after this advertisement
Roque later surfaced in The Hague, where Duterte is currently detained by the ICC. He applied for asylum, citing political persecution, but his request was denied.
“He’s in Vienna. We have communication. He’s not hiding, but any time now, we can get him,” Remulla said, adding: “I’m pretty confident we can get him.”
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Aside from Dela Rosa and Roque, the government is also looking for another fugitive, gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, who is wanted for the kidnapping and killing of at least 34 “sabungeros” or cockfight enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022. /cb