THE hunt for fugitive Sen. Ronald dela Rosa remains on track despite the challenges posed by his law enforcement background, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said on Thursday.
Remulla said the National Police (PNP), together with other government law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities, continues to actively track dela Rosa’s whereabouts but declined to disclose operational details to protect ongoing efforts.
‘We are on track. It’s an ongoing operation. I can’t reveal the detail, but we are actively pursuing him,’ says Remulla.
A former PNP chief, dela Rosa was last seen in the early hours of May 14, leaving the Senate with fellow Sen. Robinhood Padilla after making an appearance following an extended absence. He has not been seen publicly or at the Senate since.
Remulla acknowledged that locating dela Rosa, as well as former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, has proven challenging because of their previous service in law enforcement and their familiarity with police procedures.
‘They know all the police procedures. They know the next steps. They are one step ahead because they know the usual…,’ he said.
Thus, the Remulla said trackers have shifted from conventional law enforcement methods and are employing more adaptive strategies to locate and capture the fugitives.
‘We have to go asymmetric in capturing them. Hindi puwedeng usual techniques, so ngayon nage-employ na kami ng other techniques and strategies para makuha sila,’ Remulla emphasized.
He assured the public that law enforcement authorities will continue pursuing fugitives relentlessly, whether they are hiding within the country or abroad.
‘The law will continue to take its course, and we will continue to pursue those who seek to evade justice,’ he said.