DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 May 2026) — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has requested the Philippine National Police (PNP) to revoke the firearm licenses of fugitive Senator Ronald Dela Rosa and order the surrender or confiscation of his 118 firearms. In a letter dated May 25, 2026, addressed to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., NBI director Melvin Matibag stated that Dela Rosa is disqualified from possessing firearms under Republic Act 10591, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dela Rosa’s firearms, registered in Davao City, include semi-automatic rifles, UZI submachine gun variants, high-powered .338 caliber rifles, battlefield-grade shotguns, and handguns. Matibag urged Nartatez to order Dela Rosa to surrender his firearms within 48 hours or coordinate with Davao Region police units for immediate confiscation. Citing Section 4(g) of the law, Matibag emphasized that individuals accused of crimes punishable by more than two years’ imprisonment are prohibited from owning firearms. Crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute carry penalties of up to 30 years or life imprisonment, meeting the threshold. The ICC warrant, issued by a Pre-Trial Chamber, confirms Dela Rosa’s criminal responsibility, rendering his firearm license void. Matibag stressed that confiscation is necessary to protect law enforcers tasked with serving the arrest warrant, as the senator’s possession of firearms poses significant danger. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
