MANILA, Philippines — The NBI Retirees and Ex-Employees Assn. Inc. (NBI-Rexeai) on Thursday said they supported the leadership of NBI Director Melvin Matibag and his agents, amid the controversies surrounding the Senate standoff last week that led to the escape of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa has a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the war on drugs of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“We commend their steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and their efforts to execute the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald 'Bato' de la Rosa,” the group said.
“Despite the undue challenges posed by certain members of the Philippine Senate, we recognize and applaud their determination in the face of adversity. It is disheartening to witness the coddling of Senator de la Rosa and his subsequent evasion of accountability, particularly during his time in ‘protective custody,’” they added.
The group also condemned the “reckless actions” of the guards in the Senate under the leadership of now-suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, who “unjustifiably discharged their firearms at the NBI and within the Senate premises.”
“Such behavior not only endangers the lives of our agents, the press and other people in the Senate, but also undermines the very fabric of law and order that we strive to uphold,” the NBI-Rexeai said.
