World · Philippines Bureau
Arrest of Senator dela Rosa risks mass casualties, Remulla warns
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla cautioned Tuesday that apprehending Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa could result in thousands of deaths, prompting authorities to pursue negotiated surrender instead. Remulla said he received intelligence two months ago indicating the senator is under protection in Mindanao.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned that forcibly arresting Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa could trigger as many as 10,000 deaths, citing security concerns that have prompted law enforcement to pursue a negotiated resolution instead.
Remulla disclosed in a Tuesday interview that authorities received information two months prior indicating that dela Rosa is being sheltered in Mindanao, where he remains under protective custody. Rather than risk civilian casualties through a direct apprehension, government negotiators have been engaging with parties involved to secure his voluntary surrender.
The Interior Secretary's statement underscores the sensitive security dynamics surrounding the senator's situation. Officials have determined that attempting to forcibly take dela Rosa into custody could destabilize the region and endanger lives, prompting what Remulla characterized as the more prudent approach of continuing diplomatic negotiations.
The development marks an escalation in the high-profile case involving the influential senator. Authorities have maintained contact with representatives involved in protecting dela Rosa as discussions continue regarding his surrender terms.