The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said there is nothing to worry about confessed assassin Edgar Matobato being in the custody of the police.
“Hindi magagalusan ‘yan (Nobody will touch him),” PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa assured after a Friday morning meeting with Matobato, the Senate witness who tagged 22 PNP members and officials as perpetrators behind 1,000 killings by the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS).
Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame, the police chief said he might even ask Matobato to wear a bulletproof vest, a kevlar helmet, mask and goggles just to ensure his safety.
In jest, Dela Rosa added: “I-armorize natin buong katawan niya. Gusto niyo pasuotin pa natin ng bomb suit para kahit pasabugin, safe siya? We will do everything to protect him.”
READ: LOOK: Matobato at CIDG after court orders arrest
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV turned over Matobato to Dela Rosa after a Davao City court ordered his arrest for illegal possession of firearms when he was caught carrying a .45-caliber pistol without license in 2014.
This was the second time the court ordered Matobato arrested for the same case. Matobato posted P2,000 bail for his temporary liberty. But the court issued another warrant after he failed to show up at his arraignment.
Bato assures Matobato will be safe w/ PNP: “Hindi magagalusan yan. Pasuotin ng bulletproof vest, helmet, kahit bomb suit.” JULLIANE LOVE DE JESUS/INQUIRER.net
READ: Matobato: I leave my fate to God
Matobato gave explosive revelations when he testified before the Senate committee on justice and human rights investigating the spate of extrajudicial killings in the country.
He accused President Rodrigo Duterte of forming a death squad composed of police officers and rebel returnees when he was still the Davao City Mayor. The alleged DDS members were hired as “contractual employees” of City Hall in the guise of Civil Security Unit workers.
Matobato mentioned Dela Rosa several times when he faced the Senate. But Dela Rosa denied personally knowing Matobato.
Asked if he was mad at Matobato for implicating him in the alleged death squad, Dela Rosa said: “I’m not holding any grudge against him. It’s OK with me. I’m actually happy I saw someone today who’s also from Davao.”/rga