Malacañang has raised national security concerns over reports that an armed group is allegedly sheltering Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, warning that protecting individuals from lawful arrest could undermine government institutions and the enforcement of the law.

During a Palace briefing on Wednesday, October 21, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said individuals found to be deliberately obstructing authorities should be held accountable.

Castro also called for the identification of the group allegedly protecting the senator to determine whether its members had committed any violations of the law.

The warning followed Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla's disclosure that Dela Rosa was reportedly staying in Mindanao under the protection of an armed group.

Remulla said authorities were pursuing negotiations for the senator's surrender, citing concerns that a forced arrest operation could lead to an armed confrontation and significant casualties.

Palace urges senator to surrender peacefully

Amid concerns over possible violence, Castro appealed directly to Dela Rosa to turn himself in rather than risk a confrontation between law enforcement personnel and those allegedly protecting him.

She also urged the individuals involved to cooperate with authorities and refrain from helping anyone evade legal proceedings.

The Palace official maintained that the government's responsibility to enforce the law should not be compromised by individuals or groups attempting to interfere with lawful operations.

Dela Rosa has remained out of public view since May amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with alleged crimes against humanity arising from the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.

The senator, who previously served as Philippine National Police chief, has not been convicted of the allegations.

Castro reiterated the Marcos administration's position that individuals facing arrest warrants should be brought before the appropriate legal authorities.

The identity of the group allegedly protecting Dela Rosa has not been publicly disclosed, while authorities continue efforts to secure his surrender without violence.

With reports of Joan Nano

‍