The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is hopeful that it can arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa before Christmas, citing intelligence reports that have increased the chances of locating the lawmaker.

NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said authorities have been receiving information about Dela Rosa’s possible whereabouts, although he declined to disclose specific details about the ongoing efforts.

“We are really hopeful na anytime soon mahuhuli namin. We're getting information and we are eliminating information,” Matibag said.

The NBI chief maintained his belief that Dela Rosa remains in the Philippines but refused to confirm reports that the senator may be hiding in Mindanao.

Matibag also said the bureau continues to carry out law enforcement operations to serve the arrest warrant against the senator.

Earlier, the NBI director acknowledged the possibility of an armed encounter during an operation to apprehend Dela Rosa, citing concerns over the senator’s possible access to firearms and his background as a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier announced a ₱50-million reward for information leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest. The government has also intensified efforts to locate the senator, who has remained out of public view since leaving the Senate on May 14, 2026.

Dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his alleged responsibility for the crime against humanity of murder in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The ICC issued the arrest warrant under seal on November 6, 2025, before making it public on May 11, 2026. The case against Dela Rosa is separate from that of former President Rodrigo Duterte, although both stem from the ICC’s investigation into the situation in the Philippines.