Subpoena for Bato’s wife not linked to manhunt – NBI

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s plan to issue a subpoena to Nancy dela Rosa is not connected to efforts to determine the whereabouts of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is currently the subject of a manhunt based on an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag yesterday said the subpoena being considered for the senator’s wife is based on statements attributed to her in relation to the aftermath of the shooting incident inside the Senate on May 14, and not part of any attempt to trace the senator’s location.

“To be clear, the NBI’s consideration of a subpoena for Ms. Nancy dela Rosa has nothing to do with locating Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa. We are not asking her where her husband is,” Matibag said in a statement.

The NBI on Friday announced that it would also issue a subpoena to Nancy amid an ongoing probe on the whereabouts of the senator.

Matibag said the bureau is instead examining claims that Nancy sent a text message relaying that the senator had “escaped” during the confusion that followed the Senate shooting incident, and that his continued presence was allegedly placing others at risk.

“If that account is accurate, it raises a serious question: was the Senate shooting used as a deliberate diversion to facilitate the senator’s departure? That is the question the NBI intends to pursue,” he said.

Matibag further said the agency is also looking into possible accountability over the incident, as investigators try to establish whether any party may have directed actions that led to the chaos inside the Senate premises.

He said those involved in ordering or orchestrating such actions could be held liable, noting the risks posed to lawmakers, staff and members of the media during the incident.

The NBI chief addressed criticisms raised by Sen. Panfilo Lacson over the planned subpoena, saying he has already spoken with Lacson to clarify the agency’s position.