MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday expressed confidence that authorities have a high chance of locating Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, citing intelligence reports indicating that the lawmaker remains in the Philippines.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau continues to gather information and is preparing possible operations in areas identified through intelligence reports.
“I think with the information we're getting, the chances of locating him are quite high,” Matibag said in an ambush interview.
Asked for an update on the search for dela Rosa, Matibag said the NBI was continuing its efforts and could launch operations in the coming days.
“It’s still the same, but we may conduct operations anytime soon to eliminate the areas we have identified based on the intelligence reports we have gathered," he said.
Asked whether the senator was believed to be hiding in Mindanao, Matibag declined to disclose details of his possible whereabouts.
“I cannot tell. We have a strong belief that he is here in the Philippines,” the NBI chief said.
