Philippine authorities searched multiple locations in Luzon on May 27 for Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who faces an International Criminal Court warrant.
The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, together with the National Bureau of Investigation, carried out the operation in Parañaque, Bulacan, and Pampanga. Officers searched a house in Angeles City, Pampanga, reported to be owned by an uncle of Senator Robin Padilla, but did not locate dela Rosa.
The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office suspended licenses for dela Rosa’s 117 firearms on the same day. The CIDG also prepared to file obstruction of justice charges against Padilla for assisting dela Rosa’s departure from Senate grounds on May 14.
Padilla has denied the allegations, stating he only gave dela Rosa a ride to Makati. Senate President Allan Peter Cayetano maintained that Padilla’s actions were not unlawful because no valid Philippine warrant existed against dela Rosa.
The National Bureau of Investigation said it will summon individuals who had recent contact with dela Rosa to determine his current location.
