Lacson Calls for Peaceful Arrest of Dela Rosa amid Intensified Manhunt

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged authorities to ensure a peaceful arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 25, emphasizing the lawmaker’s right to due process amid intensified efforts to apprehend him over an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.).

In a statement posted on his X account, Sen. Lacson expressed hope that any attempt to arrest his Senate colleague would be carried out without violence or loss of life. He stressed that the process must remain peaceful regardless of the accusations Sen. Dela Rosa faces.

“I sincerely hope and pray that should his arrest take place sooner or later, it will be carried out peacefully, without violence or tragedy,” Sen. Lacson said.

The senator underscored that due process is a fundamental right guaranteed to every Filipino and every human being.

He maintained that allegations against an individual should not deprive that person of the legal protections afforded by law.

“He has his faults, as we all do. But whatever accusations he faces, he is entitled to due process, a fundamental right guaranteed to every Filipino, and for that matter, to every human being,” Sen. Lacson added.

Sen. Lacson also acknowledged his professional and personal ties with Sen. Dela Rosa, describing him as a Senate colleague, a former subordinate in the Philippine National Police (P.N.P.), and a fellow Philippine Military Academy alumnus. His appeal came as government authorities intensified efforts to locate the former P.N.P. chief.

Sen. Dela Rosa faces an I.C.C. arrest warrant in connection with alleged crimes against humanity linked to the administration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s (F.P.R.R.D.) anti-drug campaign.

The I.C.C. unsealed the warrant in May 2026, citing allegations concerning killings committed during the campaign. Senator Dela Rosa and F.P.R.R.D. have denied the allegations.

The government’s pursuit of Sen. Dela Rosa intensified after Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla announced a ₱50-million reward on Friday, Oct. 23, for information leading to the senator’s arrest. Authorities also gave Sen. Dela Rosa one week to surrender, according to news reports.

The developments prompted renewed calls for restraint and dialogue. On Saturday, the Senate minority bloc appealed for a peaceful resolution, offering to help facilitate discussions between the government and Sen. Dela Rosa’s legal representatives to avoid unnecessary violence while allowing authorities to pursue the case.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also called on law enforcement agencies to prioritize safety during any arrest operation.

He stressed that both Sen. Dela Rosa and the officers tasked with implementing the warrant must be protected from harm, emphasizing the importance of an orderly and nonviolent operation.

As authorities continue their efforts to apprehend Sen. Dela Rosa, the calls for a peaceful resolution highlight the challenge of enforcing the arrest warrant while safeguarding lives and respecting legal rights.

Sen. Lacson’s appeal reinforces the principle that law enforcement must act within due process, regardless of who is involved.