Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has reminded authorities to keep sensitive information under wraps when pursuing high-profile targets, warning that prematurely disclosing operational details could compromise an ongoing case.
Lacson made the observation amid the continuing manhunt for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, whose one-week deadline to surrender to authorities expired last Friday.
“SSSHHH… : When pursuing a high-profile target or handling a sensitive live case, secrecy discipline is key – unless disinformation is necessary to flush the quarry into the open,” Lacson said in a post on X.
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said authorities should not immediately disclose solid information that could help solve a case until the operation has been completed.
He said information should only be released ahead of time if it is part of a deliberate strategy to draw the target out.
The PNP intensified its search for Dela Rosa after the ultimatum issued by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. lapsed. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier announced a P50-million reward for information leading to the senator’s arrest.
Dela Rosa is wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. He stopped attending Senate sessions late last year.
He briefly resurfaced on May 11 to vote for Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president but left the Senate premises during a shooting incident two days later.IMT
