The search for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and former Bureau of Corrections Director Gerald Bantag continues, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Thursday.
Vida said Dela Rosa remains in the Philippines as law enforcement agencies continue their search for the senator.
“The latest which is available to me is he is still within the country at masusi pa din ang paghahanap sa kanya ng ating law enforcement agencies,” Vida said during a press conference.
Asked whether Dela Rosa had already left the country, Vida said there were no records indicating that the senator had departed.
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been linked by International Criminal Court prosecutors to the implementation of “Project Double Barrel,” the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign launched in 2016.
The ICC said its Pre-Trial Chamber I issued the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa confidentially and under seal on Nov. 6, 2025.
Meanwhile, Vida said he had no fresh information on the whereabouts of Bantag, who has been tagged as an alleged mastermind in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.
“As of now, wala akong mabigay but thank you very much for (asking) that,” Vida said when asked for an update on Bantag.
Vida said the government must improve coordination among law enforcement agencies particularly in cases where courts have already issued decisions but the convicted persons remain at large.
“Kasi isa rin ito na naitanong budget hearing na dapat nating tutukan kasi minsan ang tagal-tagal ng process sa korte. Pagkatapos naman, hindi naman nauhuli pala yung na-convict,” he said.
“Kaya talaga po mas maigting ang aming pakikipag-ugnayan ngayon sa law enforcement units natin para mas maging efektibo,” he added.
Bantag was charged in connection with the killing of Lapid, a radio commentator known for his program “Lapid Fire,” where he criticized fake news, red-tagging and government corruption.
Lapid was shot dead on Oct. 3, 2022, while on his way home in Las Piñas City.
Following his indictment by the Department of Justice, Bantag went into hiding.#