FORMER Philippine National Police (PNP) chief now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa revealed on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, that the PNP recalled two police personnel who were deployed as security officers in his residence.
In an interview with reporters, Dela Rosa said he only found out about the recall upon his arrival in his residence in Davao on Monday, March 24.
(When I returned to Davao, I no longer had security. They were ordered to report back to their unit.)
The PNP said Dela Rosa’s claim is “fake news.”
However, Dela Rosa said he understands the move of the PNP to remove the security officers detailed to him.
“Normal naman yan. They can be there, they cannot be there. Ganon lang yan,” he said.
Dela Rosa said he does not see it as an effort to pressure him amid reports that an arrest warrant will be issued against him in relation to the ongoing investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the alleged crime against humanity in the country during the implementation of the drug war of the former administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to which he was identified as a co-respondent.
The lawmaker earlier said he will not surrender in case he is ordered arrested like Duterte, who is currently detained at the ICC facility in The Hague.
“Di naman. Alam mo na yung mga commander ng mga pulis nag ingat din yan. Naintindihan ko sila. Hindi nila ako ginigipit. Nag-iwas lang sila na mamaya magkaproblema sila. So naintindihan ko. Hindi sila kasama sa panggigipit kundi nag-iiwas lang sila na magkaproblema sila,” said Dela Rosa.
(Not at all. You know, the police commanders are just being cautious. I understand them. They’re not harassing me. They’re just avoiding any potential problems. So, I get it. They’re not part of any harassment; they’re just being careful to avoid trouble.)
“Wala naman (akong concern sa safety ko). Sanay man ako sa threat. Nabubuhay naman ako sa threat na yan. Hanap buhay ko yan,” he added.
(I have no concerns for my safety. I'm used to threats. I've been living with them -- they're part of my livelihood.)
In a Facebook post, Dela Rosa expressed gratitude to several retired cops and soldiers who volunteered to serve as replacement to his recalled security aides.
“They have no firearms but they are equipped [with] kamote, balanghoy, saging, manok bisaya [and] ready to survive [with] me. Very heartwarming,” he said.
In July, amid the supposed rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, the PNP also recalled the police personnel assigned for the VP’s protection. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)