By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) temporarily held off the arrest of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa after the Senate placed him under protective custody following a tense confrontation inside the Senate premises on Monday evening.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the agency respects the Senate’s decision following discussions with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
According to Matibag, Dela Rosa will not be arrested “for the time being,” but is still expected to cooperate with ongoing investigations linked to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Earlier reports said NBI agents attempted to serve the warrant on Dela Rosa, which triggered a dramatic pursuit and standoff inside Senate grounds.
Matibag added that the NBI would coordinate with Interpol and the ICC regarding the next legal steps in the case.
Security around the Senate remained tight following the incident, as the political situation surrounding Dela Rosa continued to intensify.
ia/xf
