National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Friday dismissed rumors that authorities were in Davao City to arrest Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, clarifying that the operation was instead related to an inspection of a raided steel manufacturing facility.
Matibag said the NBI, together with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), traveled to Davao City to inspect the Davao Mighty Steel Corp., where authorities are preparing to file charges against 21 individuals, including 10 Chinese nationals, following a recent raid.
Refuting speculation circulating online, Matibag stressed that their presence in Davao had nothing to do with the senator.
“Nandito kami sa Davao. Ang nahuli namin, hindi bato, bakal,” Matibag said, dismissing claims that the NBI was conducting an operation against Dela Rosa.
The NBI chief said the agency remains focused on pursuing cases arising from the alleged violations uncovered during the operation at the steel company, emphasizing that the investigation is directed at those involved in the facility and not at any elected official.
