By Benjamin Cuaresma
COTABATO CITY — A faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Muslimin Sema has rejected claims that it is sheltering Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, insisting there is no verified evidence linking the senator to the organization.
In a statement Sunday, the faction described allegations of MNLF protection as speculation, stressing that Dela Rosa has no established formal relationship with the group.
The denial followed Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s claim that the senator was hiding in Mindanao under the protection of a powerful armed group. The Philippine National Police is validating the information.
Dela Rosa faces an International Criminal Court arrest order over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. The government has offered a ₱50-million bounty for his arrest.
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan Suan denied social media posts falsely attributing to him a threat to pursue a “shoot-to-kill” resolution against Dela Rosa.
Suan condemned the fabricated statements, reaffirming his commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The PNP said it would pursue appropriate legal measures to arrest the senator, whom the Justice Department and Solicitor General have declared a fugitive from justice.
ia/xf
