Twenty of the 117 firearms registered under Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa are now under Philippine National Police custody after being turned over on June 11 in Davao City.
The PNP Civil Security Group received the weapons from Dela Rosa’s camp at its regional unit in Davao City. Officials conducted an inventory, verified serial numbers and performed physical inspections.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the handover reflects efforts to enforce rules with professionalism and transparency. Brig. Gen. Aden Lagradante, the group’s officer-in-charge, noted initial compliance and expects the remaining firearms to follow.
Separately, National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag welcomed the surrender of the 20 guns but urged Dela Rosa to turn himself in as well. He said the bureau has received a new lead on the senator’s location.
