Bato dela Rosa still in PH, NBI confirms; manhunt ongoing

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said Wednesday that based on the bureau’s latest record, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is still in the Philippines. Matibag said this as he reiterated that dela Rosa has yet to be apprehended, adding that the manhunt for the senator is still ongoing. “On the latest record, he is still here,” Matibag said in a radio interview, when asked about dela Rosa’s whereabouts. He assured that the NBI is still on the lookout for dela Rosa, saying that the manhunt operations are still ongoing. “The manhunt operations are still ongoing,” he added. Matibag, however, refused to disclose the specific details of the ongoing manhunt operations, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation. He also declined to comment on whether dela Rosa was evading arrest or if there were any court orders related to his apprehension. Earlier, the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against dela Rosa for his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade. However, dela Rosa has denied the allegations, saying that he was merely performing his duties as a police official. He also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation and face any charges that may be filed against him. The NBI is urging anyone with information on dela Rosa’s whereabouts to come forward and report it to the authorities.