January 15, 2026 – Manila, Philippines. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is believed to be in Davao City with his family, but stressed that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) cannot take any action against him until a formal arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is issued.

Remulla, who previously lived near Dela Rosa in Cavite, said he is certain the senator has not returned to his home there. “Ang alam ko, kasi magkapitbahay kami dito sa Cavite, so hindi siya nauwi dito. Alam ko nasa ano siya, nasa Davao, kasama ang kanyang pamilya roon,” Remulla told GMA’s Unang Balita. He added that Dela Rosa has been seen around the periphery of Davao City, sometimes riding a motorcycle and staying with friends.

The senator has been absent from the Senate for nearly two months, fueling speculation about his whereabouts. His disappearance comes amid reports that the ICC has issued a warrant of arrest against him for alleged crimes against humanity tied to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which claimed thousands of lives between 2016 and 2018 when Dela Rosa served as Philippine National Police chief.

Remulla clarified that while his brother, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, has mentioned an unofficial copy of the ICC warrant, the DILG has yet to receive any formal document. “We can’t take any action on that unless there is an actual arrest warrant. There isn’t one yet. I haven’t seen anything. It’s just speculation,” he emphasized.

The Department of Justice also denied requests to provide information on the alleged ICC warrant, further complicating the situation. Until a formal warrant is transmitted, Philippine authorities remain unable to arrest Dela Rosa, despite mounting public pressure.

The case highlights the growing tension between international accountability efforts and domestic legal processes. Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and turned over to the ICC last March, intensifying scrutiny on officials linked to his anti-drug campaign.

For now, Dela Rosa remains at large in Davao, with the DILG reiterating that it cannot act without official documentation. The situation underscores the delicate balance between respecting international judicial orders and adhering to Philippine legal procedures.

If Everyone Knows Where He Is, What Are We Waiting For?

Authorities say they know where Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is. Davao City. With family. Seen around. Not hiding. Yet nothing happens. No action, no summons, no pressure. Just waiting.

The government’s explanation is procedural. No formal warrant from the International Criminal Court, no move from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Legally neat, politically convenient. Location is clear. Responsibility is not.

This is no longer about tracking someone down. It is about will. An absent senator, a known address, and a state frozen by paperwork. Meanwhile, victims of the drug war watch institutions debate process while accountability stands still.

If clarity of location leads nowhere, what exactly are we waiting for, and who benefits from the pause?