‘Bato’ defends PNP, NBI

Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa said he doesn’t believe that the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation can be influenced by anyone in the course of their investigation into the murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

“Let’s trust the PNP and NBI. I do not doubt what they are doing,” said De la Rosa who used to head the PNP. “It’s hard to meddle in the investigations.”

De la Rosa was reacting to a statement from suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag accusing Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla of interfering in the probe.

He said the PNP and NBI will not allow anyone from influencing the conduct of the investigation.

“They will stand by with their investigation results. They will not be influenced by anyone because everybody is watching, everybody is following this case,” De la Rosa said.

“In fact, it is very impossible for both the two investigating agencies like the PNP and NBI to connive and come up with a drawing investigation. That cannot happen.”

Subpoena served

Meanwhile, the subpoena was served to Bantag in his last known address in Caloocan City, according to Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit.

“Based on our records, the NBI and PNP only provided the last known address of DG Bantag in Caloocan. The subpoena, insofar as the prosecution is concerned, is deemed served,” Guhit said in a message to reporters.

The NBI and PNP have filed two murder complaints against Bantag and several others that included gang leaders, in connection with the two murders.