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MANILA, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced a ₱50-million reward for the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday, October 23, as authorities continue efforts to locate the lawmaker over an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
Remulla also described Dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous,” raising concerns about the risks involved in taking the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief into custody.
Dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity of murder connected to the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The senator has remained out of public view since leaving the Senate premises on May 14, following an attempt by authorities to serve the ICC warrant. He has not been convicted of the allegations.
The latest announcement follows Remulla's earlier disclosure that Dela Rosa was believed to be in Mindanao under the protection of a powerful armed group.
On October 19, the DILG chief said authorities were pursuing negotiations to secure the senator's surrender, warning that a forced operation could lead to casualties and potentially wider violence.
Remulla also acknowledged that authorities missed an opportunity to arrest Dela Rosa when he resurfaced at the Senate in May.
The ICC arrest warrant was publicly unsealed on May 11. Dela Rosa subsequently left the Senate complex in the early hours of May 14 while authorities were attempting to take him into custody.
The National Bureau of Investigation had previously classified Dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous” during the manhunt in May. At the time, NBI Director Melvin Matibag explained that the classification was a precautionary assessment used when serving warrants, rather than confirmation that a subject was carrying a weapon.
The ₱50-million reward marks a new development in the government's efforts to secure Dela Rosa's arrest, although the terms and procedures for claiming the reward were not specified in the reference.
Authorities have yet to announce that the senator has been taken into custody.
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro retains Palace post as Cayetano reviews PCO leadership
MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro will remain in her position despite an ongoing evaluation of officials and personnel under newly appointed PCO Secretary Lino Cayetano.
Cayetano confirmed the decision on Friday, October 23, as he outlined plans to strengthen the government's communication strategy and improve how public programs and policies are explained to Filipinos.
He described Castro as a valuable member of the administration, praising her ability to communicate government positions and respond to issues involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The PCO chief said he intends to work closely with Castro in making government information more accessible and understandable to the public.
Cayetano also expressed support for Castro's outspoken approach when responding to criticism of the administration.
Asked whether he would encourage her to soften her remarks, the communications chief said he saw nothing wrong with her assertiveness, provided that discussions remain focused on explaining government policies and their intended benefits.
He maintained that Castro's communication skills would be important in helping the administration address public concerns and clarify its positions on national issues.
Under Cayetano's proposed approach, Cabinet secretaries and agency officials may be invited to provide more detailed explanations of government initiatives, while Castro would continue communicating the administration's official positions.
The PCO also plans to expand its engagement beyond digital platforms through direct discussions with students and residents in universities, barangays, and other communities.
Meanwhile, Cayetano confirmed that PCO officials had submitted courtesy resignations as part of an internal review following the leadership transition.
He clarified that the evaluation does not necessarily mean an immediate reshuffle, as decisions concerning personnel and agency operations would be made progressively.
The assessment will also cover the PCO's attached agencies, including government-run media organizations, to determine how their operations and services can be improved.
Cayetano emphasized that the department's priority is to deliver timely and reliable information while strengthening its relationship with the media and the public.
The review will continue under his leadership, with Castro retaining her role as Palace Press Officer.
Remulla offers ₱50-M reward for Bato dela Rosa's arrest, warns he is 'armed and dangerous'
MANILA, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced a ₱50-million reward for the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday, October 23, as authorities continue efforts to locate the lawmaker over an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
Remulla also described Dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous,” raising concerns about the risks involved in taking the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief into custody.
Dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity of murder connected to the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The senator has remained out of public view since leaving the Senate premises on May 14, following an attempt by authorities to serve the ICC warrant. He has not been convicted of the allegations.
The latest announcement follows Remulla's earlier disclosure that Dela Rosa was believed to be in Mindanao under the protection of a powerful armed group.
On October 19, the DILG chief said authorities were pursuing negotiations to secure the senator's surrender, warning that a forced operation could lead to casualties and potentially wider violence.
Remulla also acknowledged that authorities missed an opportunity to arrest Dela Rosa when he resurfaced at the Senate in May.
The ICC arrest warrant was publicly unsealed on May 11. Dela Rosa subsequently left the Senate complex in the early hours of May 14 while authorities were attempting to take him into custody.
The National Bureau of Investigation had previously classified Dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous” during the manhunt in May. At the time, NBI Director Melvin Matibag explained that the classification was a precautionary assessment used when serving warrants, rather than confirmation that a subject was carrying a weapon.
The ₱50-million reward marks a new development in the government's efforts to secure Dela Rosa's arrest, although the terms and procedures for claiming the reward were not specified in the reference.
Authorities have yet to announce that the senator has been taken into custody.
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela has criticized former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos following her remarks against him and her defense of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan's controversial statements about China's military strength.
In a Facebook post, Tarriela questioned why Carlos appeared more critical of him than of China, which Philippine authorities have repeatedly accused of aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
The exchange followed an interview in which Carlos described Tarriela as a troublemaker and suggested that he use duct tape to cover his mouth instead of continuing to speak publicly.
Carlos also defended her interpretation of Jing's October 15 remarks, maintaining that the ambassador's statement should be understood in its full context rather than automatically treated as a threat.
Jing had suggested that China could easily prevail if it chose to use military force, while emphasizing that Beijing preferred peace. The Department of Foreign Affairs, however, criticized the statement as a thinly veiled threat, prompting a diplomatic protest
Responding to Carlos, Tarriela claimed that her remarks demonstrated why she did not complete a full year as national security adviser.
He also recalled an earlier disagreement in which Carlos allegedly questioned his deployment to the West Philippine Sea to respond to China's presence in the area.
The PCG official went further, accusing Carlos of failing to take meaningful action to defend Philippine maritime rights during her tenure.
According to Tarriela, individuals who served under the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) during Carlos' leadership could attest to his criticism.
He also claimed that the government's West Philippine Sea transparency initiative gained momentum only after General Eduardo Año replaced Carlos as national security adviser.
These statements reflect Tarriela's assessment of Carlos' performance and should not be treated as independently established findings.
Tarriela also made a sarcastic reference to fuel expenses, suggesting that Carlos might be seeking support because of rising diesel prices.
He further remarked that he could no longer provide her with fuel slips, although he did not present evidence establishing that such assistance had previously been given.
The remarks added a personal dimension to their disagreement, which began over how Philippine officials should respond to the Chinese ambassador's statements.
The dispute also comes amid continuing debate over the Philippines' approach to Beijing and the government's efforts to publicize Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG has maintained that its transparency initiative is intended to inform the public about developments affecting Philippine maritime rights.
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.
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
MANILA, Philippines — Super Typhoon Rosal continues to lose strength as it approaches Extreme Northern Luzon, but residents in affected areas remain at risk from strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous sea conditions, according to PAGASA.
In its latest 11 a.m. bulletin on Thursday, October 22, the state weather bureau reported that Rosal's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 185 kilometers per hour (km/h), with gusts of up to 230 km/h.
The storm was located approximately 400 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, moving west-northwestward at 20 km/h.
Earlier at 5AM, Rosal had maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h and gusts of 240 km/h.
Despite the weakening, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains raised over Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is in effect over the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, eastern Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao.
PAGASA warned that strong winds could damage vulnerable structures, while continued rainfall may trigger flooding and landslides in susceptible communities.
Batanes is expected to experience stormy conditions, while Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Cagayan, and Isabela may receive rains accompanied by gusty winds.
PAGASA forecasts Rosal to make its closest approach to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, October 23, before gradually turning northward.
The super typhoon could weaken into a typhoon within Thursday and leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday evening or early Saturday, October 24.
A gale warning also remains in effect along the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon, with waves potentially reaching 12 meters along the northern and eastern coasts of Batanes.
Residents and local disaster response offices are advised to monitor succeeding weather bulletins and follow evacuation instructions when necessary.
