On Wednesday, May 13, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Malvin Matibag said they will carry out their own inquiry into the incident involving the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) following an effort to serve Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In an interview, Matibag explained that the NBI will not hold back in disciplining it's agents. He did, however, claim that there was no physical altercation.
“We will conduct our own fact-finding… So whatever comes out, that will be our direction. If there were mistakes committed by our NBI agents, if they somewhat went overboard… we will also not hesitate to discipline our ranks,” he said.
On Monday, a standoff occured between members of OSAA and the NBI after agents who had previously been found in contempt attempted to exit the room.
According to Matibag, the NBI agents believed that the OSAA staff were trying to arrest them illegally.
“Of course, the NBI is law enforcement, and the tendency there is that they may interpret it as you are trying to detain us illegally, so we will arrest you. You will be the one we bring in for investigation,” the NBI director stated.
Matibag stated that in order to take further action regarding the ICC warrant, they will confer with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Dela Rosa was issued a warrant by the ICC for the crimes against humanity of murder, killing around 32 people in the Philippines between July 2016 and the end of April 28.
Written by Nicca Jade Devela
Nicca Jade Devela is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
