NBI subpoenas Mao Aplasca, 3 others linked to last sighting of Bato Dela Rosa

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has issued subpoenas to Acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca and three others who were last seen with Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa before he allegedly went into hiding amid an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, NBI chief Melvin Matibag said Monday.

Matibag said subpoenas were also issued to Pasay City Police chief Col. Joselito De Sesto, Senator Robin Padilla’s deputy chief of staff Col. Jean Robles, and Padilla’s uncle.

“We have already issued subpoenas to the personalities we saw with him before he went missing,” Matibag said in an interview.

When asked when they were summoned, Matibag said it could happen within the week.

The NBI chief stressed that a subpoena does not automatically mean a person is an accused.

“Hindi ka subpoenaed dahil automatic akusado ka. You are subpoenaed so you can shed light on the matter,” he said.

“So that is what a subpoena is. When you receive one from the NBI, do not be afraid or think you are automatically an accused. You may be called as a witness or someone who can help clarify the matter,” he added.

Meanwhile, Matibag said the bureau is considering issuing a subpoena to Nancy Dela Rosa, the senator’s wife, following Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s claim that she said her husband had “escaped” amid the confusion during a shooting incident.

Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant for alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity of murder from July 2016 to April 2018, during which at least 32 individuals were killed.—MCG, GMA News