NBI clarifies Davao operation was not to arrest Senator Dela Rosa

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag clarified that a recent operation in Davao City was not intended to arrest Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, despite online rumors. Matibag stated that the agency’s presence in the city was specifically to target Davao Mighty Steel Corp. in Barangay Ilang, Bunawan District.

The operation at the steel manufacturing facility uncovered allegedly substandard steel products, including reinforcing bars containing radioactive isotopes. Authorities rescued approximately 174 Filipino workers who may have been exposed to radioactive-bearing materials and other hazardous substances. Legal charges are expected to be filed against 21 individuals linked to the company, including 10 Chinese nationals.

While the Davao operation was unrelated to the senator, Matibag confirmed that a separate NBI team is actively monitoring Dela Rosa’s whereabouts. The agency is tracking the senator in connection with efforts to enforce an International Criminal Court-related warrant, noting that an arrest operation will proceed once his exact location within the Philippines is confirmed.