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The shoot-to-kill order claims involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa have been denied by the Philippine National Police (PNP), which clarified that no such directive was issued against the lawmaker. Police officials stressed that any operation to locate and arrest the senator must follow established legal procedures and respect human rights.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has denied issuing a shoot-to-kill order against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, stressing that police operations to locate and arrest the lawmaker must remain within the bounds of the law.

PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co made the clarification on Tuesday, November 3, following the circulation of social media posts claiming that authorities had issued instructions to use deadly force against the senator.

Co urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources, emphasizing that no such directive had been released by the police organization.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also rejected the use of a shoot-to-kill approach, saying that law enforcement operations must respect due process, human rights, and the rule of law.

“The PNP does not subscribe to a shoot-to-kill approach. Our mandate is to enforce the law, not to take the law into our own hands,” Nartatez said.

He added that police personnel must exercise maximum restraint and ensure that any force used during an operation remains proportional and legally justified.

Rep. Lordan Suan Denies Viral Statement

The PNP clarification followed the circulation of online posts falsely attributing a supposed shoot-to-kill proposal against Dela Rosa to Cagayan de Oro First District Representative Lordan Suan.

Suan denied making the statement, describing the circulating claims as false and fabricated.

In a social media post, the lawmaker said he had never threatened to call for a House hearing or introduce a resolution supporting a shoot-to-kill directive against the senator.

He also reiterated his position in favor of due process and the rule of law.

The PNP’s clarification sought to address the growing circulation of misleading information surrounding the ongoing efforts to locate Dela Rosa.

Authorities Continue Search for Dela Rosa

Dela Rosa is being sought in connection with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

The former Philippine National Police chief has been accused of involvement in the alleged crimes, which remain subject to legal proceedings.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has previously announced a ₱50-million reward for information that could lead to his arrest.

Authorities have also intensified efforts to locate the senator, with police personnel conducting intelligence and monitoring operations.

PNP officials have maintained that operational details cannot be publicly disclosed because doing so could compromise the ongoing efforts and the safety of personnel involved.

PNP Urges Public to Avoid Spreading False Information

The police organization has reminded Filipinos to exercise caution when sharing information about the ongoing manhunt, particularly unverified claims circulating on social media.

Officials emphasized that misleading reports can create confusion, interfere with law enforcement operations, and undermine public confidence in government institutions.

The PNP reiterated that its responsibility is to enforce the law while respecting the constitutional rights of individuals.

As authorities continue their efforts to locate Dela Rosa, the police leadership said all operations must remain guided by legal procedures, proportionality, and respect for human rights.