Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced a P50 million reward for the capture of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who is now classified as armed and dangerous. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Manila. Dela Rosa, a former senator and current fugitive, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity linked to anti-drugs operations.
The bounty was confirmed by the Department of Justice and is part of efforts to locate Dela Rosa, who has evaded authorities for years. The government has previously issued warrants against him for drug-related offenses. Remulla emphasized that Dela Rosa poses a threat to public safety and that the reward is intended to encourage information leading to his arrest.
Dela Rosa was a prominent political figure before fleeing the country. He was involved in multiple legal cases, including charges of graft and corruption. His evasion of the law has drawn international attention, with the ICC issuing an arrest warrant in 2021. The current bounty follows a pattern of government efforts to bring him to justice, including cooperation with international agencies.
The Philippines has a history of using financial incentives to locate fugitives. Similar bounties have been offered for other high-profile criminals. Dela Rosa’s case highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing legal decisions against powerful individuals. His capture remains a priority for both national and international legal bodies.
