Fact Check: False claim of Bato dela Rosa under Trump's protection spreads

A false claim circulating in the Philippines alleges that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is under the protection of former US President Donald Trump and is currently in American custody. Rappler’s fact-check found no basis for this assertion. The claim was amplified by a YouTube channel named Update Pinas News, which uploaded a video on September 10. The video's thumbnail features an image of Trump in a hotel lobby with a man resembling Dela Rosa, overlaid with text stating, “They’re crying here; it turns out he’s with Trump.” The video title further suggests Dela Rosa’s safety and connection to Trump. However, Rappler’s investigation found no credible reports, government statements, or public remarks from Trump confirming that Dela Rosa is under US protection or custody. There are also no documented interactions showing Dela Rosa being escorted by or in the custody of US authorities. Reports indicating Dela Rosa is seeking asylum in the US or any other country are also absent. The false claim appears to build upon remarks made by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on September 8. Remulla stated that authorities knew Dela Rosa’s whereabouts and were negotiating with individuals he described as the senator’s “protectors” and “very powerful people.” He did not identify these individuals or link them to Trump, the United States, or any foreign government. Dela Rosa’s lawyer has denied personal knowledge of these alleged protectors, describing the senator as a “prayerful man” whose only protector is God. The only documented instance of Dela Rosa calling on Trump for intervention was in April 2025, when he urged the then-US president to consider sanctions against Filipinos involved in the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This appeal was not for himself, nor did he claim Trump was protecting him from his own ICC arrest warrant. The Philippine National Police continues its efforts to locate and arrest Dela Rosa. The senator has been in hiding since May 2026, after leaving the Senate. He is wanted under an ICC arrest warrant in connection with crimes against humanity involving former President Duterte. Source: Rappler Philippines