Remulla: Talks ongoing to arrest Bato dela Rosa, warns operation may turn deadly

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla announced that negotiations are ongoing to apprehend Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, who has an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for charges of crimes against humanity, indicating that the chances of his capture are increasing. Remulla warned that a "full operation" by law enforcement to arrest the senator could result in numerous casualties. When asked about the likelihood of police capturing Dela Rosa, Remulla stated, "Yes, it's getting more likely." The secretary emphasized the importance of negotiations in bringing Dela Rosa into custody. "If we go on a full operation, many people will be killed... because of the nature of the operations. A lot of people will be put in jeopardy, so the negotiations are ongoing, we're... and we will smoke him out sooner or later," Remulla said. These remarks were made following the Department of the Interior and Local Government's presentation of its proposed budget for 2027 before the Senate Committee on Finance. The Philippine National Police had previously stated that 20 firearms linked to Dela Rosa have been surrendered. Remulla declined to comment on whether this indicated ongoing negotiations, saying, "Leave it to us because it might jeopardize the mission." Dela Rosa has an arrest warrant from the ICC in connection with the drug war, which reportedly led to the deaths of at least 6,000 people during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte himself is currently detained at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, for crimes against humanity.