The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) issued subpoenas to four individuals in connection with its ongoing investigation into the “escape” of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate.
According to a report by DZRH's Jecelle Ricafort, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said on Monday that those ordered to appear before the bureau include:
- Suspended acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca
- Pasay City Police Chief Joselito De Sesto
- Sen. Robin Padilla’s deputy chief of staff Jean Robles
- Virgilio Cariño, uncle of Sen. Robin Padilla
Matibag further said the individuals are expected to appear before the NBI office in Pasay City within the week to provide statements as part of the fact-finding process.
The investigation covers Dela Rosa’s exit from the Senate premises on May 14, hours after the gunfire incident inside the Senate on May 13.
Meanwhile, Matibag said the agency has not yet finalized its plan to issue a subpoena to Nancy dela Rosa, the wife of dela Rosa, as the matter is still being consulted with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Matibag said the possible subpoena is not based on any suspicion of wrongdoing but is intended to help clarify issues surrounding the senator’s reported exit from the Senate premises.
He emphasized that Nancy dela Rosa is not being considered a suspect in the investigation.
"We are not considering the wife of Senator Bato as suspect or anything, but to shed light. Alam nyo, the people should understand, as subpoena, hindi kasi ni subpoena dahil automatic akusado ka, kaya kasi ni subpoena, you can give the reason to shed light on a matter," Matibag said.
"'Pag nakareceive tayo ng subpoena sa NBI, 'wag mo kayo matakot, naisipin nyo kagad, akusado kayo, you're being subpoena probably as a witness or who can give something to shed light on the matter that the NBI could ask," he added.
At the same time, Matibag responded to criticism from Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who earlier described the move as “lazy work” if the intent was to locate the senator through his spouse.
Matibag stressed that it was never the NBI’s intention to question Nancy dela Rosa about the whereabouts of the senator, who has been linked to the ongoing probe involving the May 13 Senate shooting incident.
He added that the proposed subpoena is related to statements allegedly made through Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, in which dela Rosa's wife was said to have suggested that the senator took advantage of the shooting incident to leave the Senate premises.
The NBI said the investigation remains ongoing as it gathers more information on the incident and related developments.
