The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said it has no information to support rumors that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has been arrested.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco told DZRH News the senator is not at Villamor Air Base, contrary to speculation that circulated overnight, according to a report of RH's Edniel Parrosa.
Basco also said the PAF has "negative information" on reports that Dela Rosa would be brought to the military's headquarters in Pasay City.
The statement came amid widespread rumors regarding the senator's supposed arrest.
Earlier, both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) denied reports claiming that Dela Rosa had been taken into custody.
In a Viber message, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the department had no information regarding the senator's rumored arrest.
"We have no information to that effect," Remulla said.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also dismissed the reports.
"Nega," Nartatez told DZRH when asked if Dela Rosa had been arrested.
Meanwhile, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said authorities continue to conduct manhunt operations for the senator.
The rumors prompted comparisons to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was brought to Villamor Air Base before being flown abroad following the implementation of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dela Rosa is also being sought by the ICC in connection with its investigation into the previous administration's anti-illegal drug campaign, where he is alleged to have acted as a "co-perpetrator."
