MANILA, Philippines — The wife of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has appealed to the senator’s former allies to help him rather than persecute him, following the government’s announcement of a P50-million reward for information leading to his arrest.
In a Facebook post, Nancy dela Rosa addressed what she described as the “powerful few who were also his friends,” urging them not to treat the senator as an enemy or use his situation to advance their personal interests.
“I just pray that the powerful few who were also his friends would come to realize he is not their enemy nor the enemy of this state. Pls do not use him for your personal agenda,” she said.
“He has helped you in countless ways and he has done you no wrong personally. He needs your help, not your persecution,” she added.
Nancy also said millions of people continued to believe in and support her husband, who has remained in hiding while facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his alleged role in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
P50-MILLION BOUNTY FOR SENATOR’S ARREST
The Department of the Interior and Local Government announced a P50-million reward for information that could lead to Dela Rosa’s arrest. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla also described the senator as “armed and dangerous,” while authorities urged him to surrender.
The Philippine National Police said on Monday that Dela Rosa had yet to make any overture toward surrendering despite the bounty.
The senator is wanted under an ICC warrant concerning alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. The allegations have yet to be resolved through a trial.
DELA ROSA PREVIOUSLY TOOK REFUGE IN SENATE
Dela Rosa emerged from months of hiding on May 11 and took refuge inside the Senate building as authorities sought to enforce the ICC warrant.
He reportedly left the premises days later following a standoff between security personnel and investigators attempting to arrest him, during which gunshots were fired.
The latest developments come ahead of the scheduled November 30 start of Duterte’s trial at the ICC, where the former president faces charges of crimes against humanity involving murder and attempted murder.
Dela Rosa served as Philippine National Police chief from 2016 to 2018 under Duterte and was a key figure in the administration’s anti-drug campaign. The ICC’s investigation into the Philippines concerns alleged crimes committed during the campaign.
The P50-million reward and Nancy dela Rosa’s appeal come amid continuing efforts by Philippine authorities to locate the senator and enforce the international arrest warrant.