THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO) XI has appealed to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to voluntarily submit himself, warning that while law enforcers prefer to avoid force, they will execute necessary and legally justified measures if necessary.
In a public advisory, PRO XI expressed hope that the senator, who previously served as chief of the Philippine National Police, would respect judicial process and public safety.
“We trust that as a former chief of the PNP, Senator Dela Rosa understands the importance of upholding the law and will voluntarily submit himself to the proper authorities,” the PRO XI said in a statement.
The regional police command emphasized its desire to resolve the situation peacefully to prevent potential violence or injury among operating personnel.
“If he still has loyalty [to] the Philippine National Police in his heart, we know he will not let any member of the PNP get hurt. We continue to plead with him to surrender so that we can avoid the problem that could occur,” the advisory read.
The PRO XI reiterated its commitment to uphold the rule of law while ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the operation.
Meanwhile, the PNP created a dedicated national task group to supervise and coordinate the intensified search efforts for Dela Rosa.
Under the leadership of PNP Director General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the intensified operations are directly supervised by PLTGEN Wilson Joseph F. Lopez, officer-in-charge, deputy chief PNP for Administration, and task group head.
During the press briefing on Friday, Oct. 30, Lopez disclosed that the PNP immediately organized the dedicated Task Group upon receiving instructions from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Similar teams were established in all regional offices to ensure nationwide coverage and coordinated operations.
With the one week given for voluntary surrender ending today, PLTGen Lopez emphasized that the PNP is further intensifying its intelligence-driven efforts, with all possible leads and operational scenarios being considered.
The PNP is also maintaining close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies.
Lopez confirmed the AFP’s readiness to extend assistance when necessary, including through its air and water assets, although no formal written request has been made.
“We are intensifying all our efforts. The PNP will continue to perform its mandate, and we are looking at all possible angles while ensuring that our operations remain intelligence-driven and properly coordinated,” Lopez said.
The PNP also claimed to have received numerous calls and information through its public hotlines following the announcement of the ₱50-million bounty. However, all reported leads and possible locations remain subject to validation.
Information relayed by the Bureau of Immigration also indicated that Senator Dela Rosa had not departed the country. While declining to disclose operational details, Lopez assured that all possible scenarios are being considered in operational planning.
He reiterated that the opportunity for voluntary surrender remains open despite the expiration of the one week, emphasizing the PNP’s preference for a peaceful resolution.
He also pointed out that individuals who deliberately conceal or harbor persons subject to lawful arrest may incur legal liability, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws.
For his part, Nartatez underscored that the PNP’s determination to implement the warrant must always be matched by professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.
“We will not relent in fulfilling our mandate. Every member of the PNP must remain focused, disciplined, and guided by the rule of law. We will pursue every lead, strengthen our coordination, and exhaust all lawful means to implement the warrant. But our determination must always be matched by professionalism and respect for human rights. We want this matter resolved peacefully, without unnecessary harm to anyone,” Nartatez said.
