Arrest of Sen. Bato Dela Rosa Closer as Authorities Negotiate

MANILA, Philippines — The chances of arresting Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa are getting bigger, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, stressing law enforcement authorities would soon smoke the fugitive senator out of his hideout. Sought for an update on manhunt operations on Thursday afternoon, he told reporters talks are underway with Dela Rosa’s coddlers, refusing to discuss further details. “The negotiations are ongoing and we will smoke him out sooner or later,” he said. The interior secretary also clarified what he meant when he previously said the operations to arrest the senator could result in “body bags.” “Body bags means if we go on full operations, a lot of people will die. That’s what it means,” he said. Remulla said disclosing more information about efforts to arrest Dela Rosa could put people’s lives at risk but expressed confidence they will get the lawmaker from his lair. Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court as a co-perpetrator in the crimes against humanity case of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Remulla earlier this week said “very powerful people” are protecting Dela Rosa. The senator was last seen in May leaving the Senate building shortly after a shooting incident. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab