MANILA — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag has put Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Robin Padilla, and Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms chief Mao Aplasca squarely in the hot seat, declaring they must explain how Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa vanished from the Senate premises while supposedly under their protective custody.
Matibag made the bold statement on Friday, just hours after the high-profile “disappearance.” He described the three officials as “persons of interest” in the case, stressing they are the first ones who must answer the simple question: Where is Senator Bato dela Rosa?
“To a certain extent, as to the disappearance of Sen. Bato, sila talaga yung persons of interest,” Matibag told ANC. He clarified that this does not yet mean they are suspects, but they bear direct responsibility because they promised to keep Dela Rosa in protective custody — a commitment that halted the NBI’s attempted arrest out of respect for Senate authority.
“They are responsible… you must present that person,” Matibag added firmly.
The timeline is raising eyebrows across the nation. Dela Rosa had dramatically resurfaced on Monday after a six-month absence from the Senate, participating in the dramatic plenary session that ousted former Senate President Tito Sotto and installed Cayetano as the new leader.
He remained inside the Senate following the NBI’s failed arrest attempt. Then, at around 2:30 a.m. Thursday — shortly after gunshots echoed inside the Senate grounds — Dela Rosa and Senator Padilla slipped out of the premises. Cayetano later confirmed the exit, with some quarters claiming the gunfire served as a diversion tactic to cover the escape.
The NBI chief made it clear: when officials give their word on protective custody, they must deliver accountability.
As of now, Senator Dela Rosa’s whereabouts remain unknown, and pressure is mounting on the Senate’s top leadership to produce answers — fast.
The political firestorm is just beginning.
