Bato surrenders 6 more firearms

MANILA, Philippines — Six more firearms owned by fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa have been surrendered by his camp to the Philippine National Police.

The PNP said Dela Rosa’s lawyer facilitated the turnover to the Firearms and Explosives Office of the long firearms from the senator’s residence in Silang, Cavite.

A total of 26 firearms registered under Dela Rosa are now in PNP custody. The senator’s camp initially surrendered 20 guns on June 11.

Dela Rosa’s 117 firearms are covered by the revocation order issued by the PNP, based on Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they continue to implement the revocation order in accordance with the law and established procedures.

“We will continue to perform our duties professionally, fairly and with respect for the legal rights of everyone involved,” Nartatez said.

Dela Rosa’s gun licenses were revoked by the PNP after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest for crimes against humanity during the war on drugs under former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Dela Rosa went into hiding after he left the Senate in a vehicle owned by Sen. Robinhood Padilla on May 14.