National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag clarified that no arrest warrant has been issued against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, rejecting allegations that he is reluctant or afraid to order the senator's arrest.
In the report of Jecelle Ricafort on DZRH's Breaktime, Matibag issued the statement following claims by Marcoleta that he could be arrested at any time over what the senator described as fabricated cases. The NBI chief stressed that law enforcement authorities can only act on a valid court-issued warrant.
“Ang trabaho ng NBI law enforcement. Pag may dumating sa aming warrant of arrest, we will enforce it no matter what,” Matibag said.
The NBI director also responded to critics who accused him of refusing to arrest Marcoleta, emphasizing that no warrant currently exists against the senator.
“May mga tao na nag-challenge na si Matibag natakot dahil ayaw arestuhin si Marcoleta. Pero wala pong warrant of arrest eh,” he said.
Matibag challenged those making allegations to present legal evidence and valid court orders instead of relying on speculation on social media.
“You bring me a legal and valid warrant of arrest to anybody, and we will enforce it. We will arrest anyone as long as we have a legal and valid warrant,” he added.
The NBI chief further urged the public to submit evidence directly to authorities if they have information regarding alleged violations of the law.
“Huwag po tayo sa Facebook magsalita nang magsalita. Kung meron tayong ebidensya, dalhin ninyo sa NBI and we will do so. Law and order po ang gusto ng NBI, and we will enforce the law no matter what,” Matibag said.
The statement comes amid ongoing public discussions surrounding Marcoleta's claims and underscores the NBI's position that arrests can only be carried out based on lawful judicial orders.
