New Twist in Bato Dela Rosa Case as NBI Moves to Question His Wife
BATO DELA ROSA – Investigators are widening their probe into the whereabouts of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, with his wife now expected to face questioning from the NBI.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is preparing to investigate the wife of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the senator’s alleged escape following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the agency is preparing subpoenas for Nancy dela Rosa and other individuals who recently had contact with the senator. The goal is to determine whether they have information regarding his current whereabouts.
“We’re preparing it today,” Matibag said regarding the subpoena that will be sent to the senator’s wife.
The NBI is seeking to question Nancy dela Rosa after she reportedly sent a text message to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. In the message, she claimed that her husband took advantage of an opportunity to leave the Senate premises during the commotion that occurred on the evening of May 13.
Dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for his alleged role in the controversial war on drugs under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. He reportedly went into hiding after the Supreme Court dismissed his petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against his arrest on March 20.
On May 11, the senator reappeared in the Senate after a six-month absence to cast the crucial 13th vote that led to Cayetano’s election as Senate President, replacing Senator Tito Sotto. Following this, he was placed under what was described as “protective custody” by the Senate.
However, on May 13, after an alleged confrontation between Senate security personnel and NBI agents attempting to arrest him, Dela Rosa reportedly left the Senate with the assistance of his ally, Senator Robin Padilla.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned that any official proven to have aided the senator’s escape would be held accountable. In connection with the incident, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed obstruction of justice charges against Padilla and five others for allegedly helping Dela Rosa leave the Senate compound.
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Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is considering offering a reward for information leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest.
“We are considering that,” said Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Despite this, Remulla expressed hope that the senator would voluntarily surrender.
“Please surrender,” he appealed.
“We will treat you with respect. Your rights will be observed. But let’s not drag this any further because this might not end as you would wish. So it’s best that you surrender.”
“We will treat you as an officer and a gentleman and we will follow all due process,” he added.
According to Remulla, law enforcement authorities continue to pursue leads across the country.
“There are always leads,” he said.
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