The Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) announced Thursday it is prepared to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in arresting Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. This military support comes as a one-week ultimatum for the senator to surrender expires on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.
Army 10ID provides intelligence for PNP manhunt
Maj. Ruben Gadut, spokesperson for the 10ID, stated the division is ready to provide logistical support and critical intelligence to the PNP. The 10ID’s area of operation includes the Davao Region, where dela Rosa is a native.
Gadut confirmed via a Viber message that there have been no sightings of the senator in the Davao Region. He corroborated this with statements from the Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) made during a Wednesday briefing at the Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. Gadut told the Inquirer he deferred operational specifics to police leadership, noting that the PNP is the appropriate agency to release statements on the manhunt.
Remulla offers reward for dela Rosa arrest
The International Criminal Court (ICC) wants dela Rosa for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued the surrender ultimatum on Oct. 23 and announced a P50 million reward for the arrest.
Legal counsel Israelito Torreon, representing dela Rosa, assailed the bounty and argued the senator is not wanted under Philippine laws. Torreon warned that the reward could encourage vigilante action against the senator.
Senate Minority and family appeal for dialogue
The Senate Minority has expressed support for dela Rosa, urging the government to pursue dialogue with his counsel. The bloc cited the senator’s willingness to answer accusations in Philippine courts and appealed for restraint to avoid loss of life. The minority welcomed Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s preference for negotiations over operations that could cost lives, stating, Walang Pilipinong dapat mamatay para lamang mapatunayan ng sinuman ang kanyang punto,
and urged the government to use the senator’s willingness to face local courts as a basis for dialogue.
The minority bloc noted that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect in 2019. They argued that the rights of a Filipino citizen should be protected through domestic legal reviews, similar to how the state would handle a foreign head of state with an ICC warrant.
Nancy dela Rosa, the senator’s wife, posted on Facebook that powerful former allies have turned against her husband. She accused these unnamed figures of using him for personal agendas and called for help rather than persecution.
Dela Rosa asks Supreme Court to stop warrant
According to Rappler, dela Rosa has again urged the Supreme Court to reverse a previous ruling to stop the ICC arrest warrant. This follows a period of renewed scrutiny after he left Senate premises in the early hours of May 14, 2026, following a reported gunshot incident in the chamber.
While the PNP has appealed for dela Rosa to surrender with dignity, his current location remains unknown.
Why the ICC wants Senator Bato dela Rosa?
What is the status of the reward for his arrest?
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced a P50 million reward for the senator’s arrest on Oct. 23, 2026.
Has the senator been seen in the Davao Region?
No. Both the 10ID and the Police Regional Office-11 have stated there have been no sightings of the senator in that area of operation.
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