NBI Director Matibag addresses cyber libel case and Senator Dela Rosa

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag has filed a motion seeking the inhibition of Davao City Prosecutor Jhopee Salvador Avancena regarding a cyber libel case filed by Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte. Matibag cited a familial connection between Prosecutor Avancena and Honeylet Avancena, the partner of former President Rodrigo Duterte, as grounds for the request. The NBI chief also intends to petition the Secretary of Justice to transfer the venue of the case.

Separately, Director Matibag stated that authorities are nearing the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. The NBI is conducting surveillance and tracker operations to locate the senator, who is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has placed a P50 million bounty on information leading to his whereabouts. Matibag warned that individuals found harboring or assisting the senator could face charges of obstruction of justice.