Authorities deny reports of Bato Dela Rosa’s arrest

Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa at the Senate on May 11, 2026. (Courtesy: Office of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa)

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday denied reports that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa had been arrested.

“Hindi, wala. Sa amin, wala. I don’t know kung sino. Wala sa amin,” Matibag told reporters in an ambush interview.

He added that the NBI’s manhunt operations for the fugitive senator are ongoing.

In a separate press briefing, Justice Department spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez likewise said authorities have not received any confirmation that Dela Rosa had been arrested.

“We cannot confirm that information, at least, not yet. Wala pa po kaming natatanggap na nangyari iyan,” Martinez said.

Separately, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla told the media in a message: “Please tell the press corps that as far as the PNP (Philippine National Police is concerned), we have no information to that effect.

Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he has been named a co-conspirator in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

— Pot Chavez