Matobato: I leave my fate to God
Confessed assassin Edgar Matobato showed no fear when he reappeared at the Senate on Friday, saying he is now leaving his fate to God.
“Hindi ako natatakot. Hindi ako natatakot (I am not afraid. I am not afraid),” Matobato told reporters before Senator Antonio Trillanes IV turned him over to the police this Friday morning.
Matobato, who claimed to be a former member of the so-called Davao Death Squad, said he was ready to face the consequences of what he has done, although he noted that the case he is facing now was in connection with alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
“Ako handa na ako. Ang buhay ko binigay ko na sa Diyos at saka kung ano man ang mangyari sa akin wala na akong magagawa basta itama ko lang yung pagkakamali ko,” he said.
“Ngayon, kung ano man ang mangyari sa akin, nasa sa Diyos na yan,” he added.
(I am ready. I gave my life to God and I can’t help whatever happens to me, just right the wrong things I have done.
Article continues after this advertisementNow, whatever happens to me, it’s up to God.)
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Court orders arrest of Matobato
Matobato although expressed disappointment about the decision of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, investigating the alleged extrajudicial killings in the country, not to call him back again to the witness stand.
During his past testimonies before the committee, Matobato accused President Rodrigo Duterte of allegedly ordering the killings of criminals and enemies when he was still mayor of Davao City.
The witness insisted that he has been telling the truth in the Senate.
“Kaya nga nalulungkot din ako kung bakit hindi na ako tetestigo sa Senado. Totoong totoo naman yung sinasabi ko,” he said.
“Maski wala akong grado, grade one lang ako, pero totoong totoo naman. Hindi ako pupunta dito kung hindi totoo,” Matobato added.
(That’s why I am also saddened that I can no longer testify in the Senate. What I’ve been saying is true.
Even if I only finished first grade, [what I say] is true. I won’t be here if it’s not true.)
It was Trillanes, who took custody of the witness after testifying at the Senate. CDG
