Manila, Oct. 27 -- Malacanang on Tuesday said authorities would continue hunting Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa if he refuses to surrender within the given one-week ultimatum, urging the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief to respect the law he once swore to uphold.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the surrender period was intended to give Dela Rosa an opportunity to turn himself in voluntarily and avoid further police operations.

But if the senator continues to resist, authorities will not stop searching for him, Castro said, citing Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's position that there would be "no mercy."

She said Dela Rosa, as a sitting senator and former PNP chief, should set an example by respecting the law rather...