Matibag: Rules followed in Bato operation

NBI Director Atty. Melvin D. Matibag (Courtesy: NBI)

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag on Tuesday said the agency followed proper procedures in its operation involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

Matibag said in a radio interview that the NBI coordinated with Senate authorities in its attempt to place dela Rosa in custody.

“We got hold of the warrant on that, and we coordinated with the Senate. Nagkaroon po ng mga meetings. We have coordination with the PCTC (Philippine Center for Transnational Crime),” the NBI chief said over 105.9 TRUE FM.

Matibag said the warrant had been signed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as early as November, which, he said, made it enforceable.

“The warrant is still there, it’s alive. Wala namang TRO or anything,” he said, adding that he has also been coordinating with other government agencies, including the Department of Justice.

According to Matibag, NBI agents contacted the Senate as early as 7 a.m. on Monday to ask whether the chamber would allow them to proceed with the operation against dela Rosa.

At the time, Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III was still serving as Senate president. Sotto was later unseated by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano after the minority’s successful coup.

“Humingi na ako ng clearance at tinawagan ko na ang aking team na umalis muna tayo just to give respect to the resolution ng Senate na iyon,” Matibag said.

Matibag said he has also coordinated with the new Senate majority, adding that the NBI would respect the Senate resolution placing dela Rosa under Senate custody until further notice.

He, however, said the operation against dela Rosa would continue as the NBI seeks to fulfill international commitments, including the implementation of the arrest warrant. — Rolando Ng III