The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said Wednesday that it has not received any directive to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa despite reports surrounding the revocation of his firearm licenses.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero clarified that the city police are only conducting monitoring activities related to the senator’s possible presence in Davao City.
She said any police action would depend on official instructions from the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership coursed through the regional and city police command.
Caballero explained that the DCPO remains guided by the rule of law and standard police procedures while awaiting further directives from higher headquarters.
She added that all 19 police stations and support units in Davao City were instructed to monitor areas where the senator may be present as part of regular operational coordination.
“At present, we do not have an arrest warrant against Senator Bato. Our role is limited to monitoring within our area of responsibility,” Caballero said.
The police official also confirmed that the DCPO has yet to receive any formal order authorizing the confiscation of the senator’s firearms.
She noted that while the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reportedly requested the revocation of Dela Rosa’s firearm licenses, local police units cannot conduct confiscation operations without proper legal documents and official instructions.
Caballero assured the public that if orders are eventually issued, the DCPO would strictly follow established Police Operational Procedures and ensure that the rights of all parties are respected.
She emphasized that police operations should be carried out fairly and professionally regardless of the personality involved.
On Wednesday, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that the firearm licenses of Dela Rosa, who is linked to an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation, had been revoked.
Remulla said the senator owns around 117 firearms, while the NBI placed the number at 118.
