Manila:Malacañang announced on Tuesday that authorities will continue their search for Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa if he does not surrender within the one-week ultimatum given to him. The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief has been urged to respect the law he once vowed to uphold.

According to Philippines News agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the surrender period was designed to allow Dela Rosa to turn himself in voluntarily and avoid further police operations. However, if the senator resists, authorities will persist in their efforts to locate him, as underscored by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's position of 'no mercy.'

Castro emphasized that Dela Rosa, as a sitting senator and former PNP chief, should exemplify law-abiding behavior rather than evade authorities. She noted that as a former member of the police force, Dela Rosa should be among the first to respect and enforce the law.

Dela Rosa has gone into hiding following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest by the International Criminal Court. The warrant is related to his involvement as an indirect co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity during the Duterte administration's war on drugs. The deadline for his surrender is set for Thursday.

Castro also warned Dela Rosa against becoming a role model for others facing arrest warrants who might choose to evade the law. She urged him not to set an example for people who might consider hiding from arrest warrants.

Authorities have announced a PHP50-million bounty for the capture of Dela Rosa. Remulla recently described Dela Rosa as 'armed and dangerous' and cautioned that arresting him might result in a deadly confrontation, as he is reportedly being protected by an armed group.