MANILA, Philippines — Amid debunked rumors of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa arrest, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) likewise clarified that the lawmaker did not enter Villamor Airbase, believed to be the jump off for his immediate transfer to The Hague.
“After reviewing access records at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, the PAF confirms that Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa did not enter the base, contrary to reports. The PAF will maintain strict access control and urges the public to rely on verified information from official sources,” Col. Boom Basco, PAF spokesman told reporters in a message on Wednesday.
On Tuesday afternoon, rumors of Dela Rosa’s arrest quickly spread but law enforcement authorities including Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag all denied it and dismissed the rumor as “fake news.”
During the arrest of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, he was apprehended by police upon his arrival from Hong Kong, brought to the Villamor Airbase where a plane was on standby to take him to The Hague.
The scenario is believed to be the precedent once Dela Rosa gets arrested. IZEL ABANILLA
