Manila: Six more firearms registered under Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa have been voluntarily turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP), bringing the total number to 26, the PNP said Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the turnover was facilitated on Monday by personnel of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office and the Regional Civil Security Unit 4A (Calabarzon), in coordination with local police. The latest firearms were received from Dela Rosa's legal representative at the senator's residence in Silang, Cavite, and placed under temporary safekeeping in accordance with established procedures.
The PNP stated that with this latest turnover, the total number of firearms already surrendered now stands at 26, following the initial turnover of 20 firearms on June 11. The revocation order covers a total of 117 firearms registered under the Senator's name. This surrender follows the revocation of Dela Rosa's License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registrations by the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the enforcement of the revocation order is being carried out in accordance with the law and due process. "The Philippine National Police remains committed to carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law and established procedures. We will continue to perform our duties professionally, fairly, and with respect for the legal rights of everyone involved," Nartatez stated.
He also mentioned that efforts to locate Dela Rosa remain ongoing amid the implementation of an existing arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the previous administration's anti-drug campaign. He reiterated the PNP's commitment to impartial law enforcement.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018 under former president Rodrigo Duterte, is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the ICC. He had been under Senate protective custody before reportedly leaving the Senate premises at about 2:30 a.m. on May 14. Dela Rosa and Duterte face charges of crimes against humanity before the international tribunal. Duterte has been detained in The Hague since last year, with his trial set to begin in November.
