MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police  denied recalling the security detail of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa over politics but due to a Commission on Elections resolution barring election candidates from employing security detail during campaign period. 

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said  that the recall of Dela Rosa’s security detail in Davao City was in compliance with Comelec Resolution 11067.

The PNP decision  invokes section 32 and 33 of Republic Act 7166 revoking the authority to grant carrying or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons in public places as well as the employment, availment or engagement of the services of security personnel or body guards during the election period unless authorized by the commission. 

“Hindi po totoo na tinanggalan po siya ng security escort ngayong mga panahon po na ito,” Fajardo said. 

“Comelec Resolution 11067 pertaining po sa availment ng security detail during election period. As a result of that resolution po ay nag utos po ang Comelec na i-recall po lahat ng protective security personnel na nagrerender po ng security details sa iba pong indibidwal kasama na rin po diyan yung iba nating mga government officials po, even yung mga elected officials po,” Fajardo said. 

Fajardo said  that Dela Rosa’s security detail in Regional Police Security Protection Unit in Region 11 has been recalled since January 13 pursuant to the resolution. 

The senator still has an active security detail approved by Comelec authorized to serve him until June, the spokesman said.

“Hindi po totoo yung kumakalat na balita na ngayon lamang po ‘yan inalis,” Fajardo said.  

“In fact nakalimutan po marahil banggitin ng ating kagalang galang na senador na merong naka-detail sa kanya na apat na protective security personnel na meron po ‘yan na approved certificate of authority or exemption from the Comelec at tatagal po ‘yan ‘yan authority na ‘yan hanggang June 11, 2025,” Fajardo said. 

Dela Rosa claimed that his security detail in Davao City has been recalled for active duty which he only knew upon his arrival to his bailiwick. 

Upon his announcement, the embattled senator said many of his friends from the police force and the military offered to provide his security. 

The former top cop said he is inclined to consider hiding as among his options should a warrant for his arrest be released next by the International Criminal Court following his supposed involvement in the killings during the Duterte administration being the chief architect of its bloody war on drugs.