Text and photo by Tracy Cabrera
MALACAÑAN PALACE, Manila — Sources in Malacañang have disclosed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reportedly expressed frustration with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Jonvic Remulla over the latter’s alleged failure to arrest high-profile fugitives, including Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
According to one source, the President was reportedly disappointed with Remulla’s approach, which was described as focusing more on grandstanding than immediate action.
This was allegedly raised during a Palace press briefing last May 19 regarding dela Rosa’s escape, where Remulla suddenly left before the briefing ended, leaving Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida to continue.
“Marcos allegedly ordered Jonvic to be pulled out because his statements were no longer aligned with Nartatez’s messaging,” the Palace informant said.
Sources also said the President is considering bringing back former DILG secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., although Remulla is still reportedly being considered due to support from his brother, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla.
The former Cavite governor has faced criticism for delays in executing the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against dela Rosa, who remained in the Senate for three days until May 14 before leaving amid a reported shooting incident involving Senate security personnel and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives allegedly there to serve the warrant.
The source said Remulla should have acted immediately after the Supreme Court denied the senator’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO).
“Instead of moving decisively after the TRO was denied, he went to the Senate during the height of the May 13 incident, faced the media while limping, and publicly stated he was not there to arrest dela Rosa,” the informant added.
Aside from dela Rosa, Remulla has also been criticized for failing to arrest former presidential spokesperson Atty. Herminio Harry Roque Jr., businessman Charlie “Atong Ang,” who is linked to the missing sabungero case, and former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy Co, who is implicated in a flood control scam.
ia/xf
