NBI obtains specific details on Bato dela Rosa's whereabouts; info gathering vs Bantag continues

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has obtained more specific information that could help establish the whereabouts of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

On Friday, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said that the bureau's efforts to track down the senator have been ongoing.

“Meron po tayong mga mas specific na detalye na maaaring makapag-establish ng kaniyang kinaroroonan sa ngayon,” Matibag told GMA News' Balitanghali in an interview.

(We have obtained specific details which could establish his location.)

He said the NBI would eventually enforce the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.

Matibag said investigators are proceeding cautiously, considering Dela Rosa's background as a former law enforcement officer and senator, as well as the possibility that other individuals could be helping him evade authorities.

Asked about reports that Dela Rosa is being sheltered by a large armed group and that his location was being monitored, Matibag clarified that such information did not come from the NBI but was apparently relayed to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the crimes against humanity case arising from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

The senator is accused of being a co-perpetrator in the alleged crimes.

Earlier, the DILG claimed that Dela Rosa was hiding in Mindanao under the protection of an “armed and powerful group,” but did not identify the group.

A P50-million reward is being offered for information that would lead to the senator’s arrest.

Bantag

Meanwhile, the NBI continues to gather information on the whereabouts of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, who remains a fugitive.

“Ganun din po. Tuloy-tuloy lang po 'yung pagkuha natin ng information,” Matibag said.

He added that the bureau has a dedicated unit tasked with locating fugitives, including Bantag.

Matibag did not provide further details on the latest developments in the search for the former BuCor chief.

In April 2023, a Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court court ordered the arrest of Bantag in connection with the death of Jun Villamor, the alleged middleman in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid in October 2022.

Bantag has denied the allegations against him.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) previously said a P2-million reward would be given for information leading to Bantag’s arrest. — RSJ, GMA News