Philippine Justice Secretary Calls for Revocation of Senator Dela Rosa's Gun Licenses
DOJ Sec. Vida to PNP: Strip fugitive Bato dela Rosa of gun privileges
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Philippine Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida has urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to revoke the firearms licenses of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who is currently evading arrest following an International Criminal Court warrant related to the Duterte administration's drug war. Vida plans to coordinate with police to verify Dela Rosa's registered firearms.
- 01Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated that the PNP should have already revoked Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa's firearms licenses.
- 02Dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court for his involvement in the previous administration's war on drugs.
- 03NBI Director Melvin Matibag labeled Dela Rosa as 'armed and dangerous.'
- 04Vida has directed a legal team to confirm the number of firearms registered under Dela Rosa's name, indicating a potentially large cache.
- 05Gun ownership is described by Vida as a regulated privilege, emphasizing the state's authority to revoke licenses from fugitives.
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In a press conference held in Manila, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida called for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to revoke the firearms licenses of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who has gone into hiding following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dela Rosa, a former chief of the PNP, is implicated in the controversial drug war initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag characterized Dela Rosa as 'armed and dangerous,' prompting concerns about his firearms. Vida announced that he has tasked a legal panel with confirming the number of weapons registered under Dela Rosa's name, suggesting that the quantity could be significant. He expressed disappointment that the PNP had not already acted on this matter and plans to communicate directly with PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to expedite the revocation process. Vida reiterated that gun ownership is a privilege regulated by the state, which has the authority to revoke licenses from individuals facing criminal charges.
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The revocation of Dela Rosa's firearms licenses could set a precedent for how the state handles gun ownership for individuals with legal issues.
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