PNP to dela Rosa: Face legal processes, surrender other guns

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday urged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to face the “legal processes” against him and surrender his remaining firearms after his camp turned over 20 guns to the police following the cancellation of their registration.

“We acknowledge this initial compliance through your legal counsel,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“But, we strongly urge you to fully surrender the remaining unaccounted firearms under your name and to formally face the legal processes ahead without further delay,” he added.

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READ: Bato Dela Rosa’s camp surrenders 20 firearms, says PNP

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The 20 firearms were turned over by dela Rosa’s legal representative to the Regional Civil Security Unit-Davao Region last June 11.

This came two weeks after the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office revoked the registration for dela Rosa’s 117 guns and his license to own and possess firearms.

Dela Rosa’s firearms license and registrations were revoked amid efforts to arrest him over an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant in connection with his alleged participation in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

“The voluntary turnover of these 20 firearms by Senator dela Rosa’s legal representative is a welcome step toward full compliance with the law following the revocation of his gun licenses, but it does not alter or halt our ongoing law enforcement mandates,” Nartatez said.

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“Our operations to locate the senator under existing legal directives remain fully active… Our local units and tracking teams will continue their coordinated efforts until the primary orders are completely served,” he added.

Last May 20, the Department of Justice ordered the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation to implement the ICC warrant to arrest dela Rosa.

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He was last seen with Sen. Robin Padilla leaving the Senate premises aboard the latter’s vehicle early morning on May 14.

Padilla claimed dela Rosa merely “hitched” a ride aboard his vehicle, got off in Makati City and did not say where he was heading next. /gs

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