NBI after bakal, not Bato in Davao

Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa speaks to reporters during an ambush interview at the Senate Building on May 13, 2026, where he recites the Philippine Military Academy hymn and appeals for understanding and support from fellow members of the uniformed services amid the ongoing issue.

The Philippine STAR / Ryan Baldemor

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag yesterday denied rumors that he was in Davao City to arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, saying the NBI agenda was to inspect a steel company raided over alleged production of substandard and radioactive-bearing steel.

“We are here in Davao. What we arrested is not Bato, but bakal (steel),” Matibag quipped to reporters.

He said the target of the NBI and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission was Davao Mighty Steel Corp. in Barangay Ilang, where authorities earlier uncovered alleged substandard reinforcing bars containing radioactive materials such as Uranium-238, Thorium-228, Thorium-232 and Radium-226.

The Philippine Nuclear Institute confirmed that the company has no license to handle, store or process nuclear or radioactive substances.

Matibag said 21 people are expected to face charges in connection with the operation, including 10 Chinese nationals.

The clarification came amid rumors that Matibag went to Davao City to arrest Dela Rosa, who has an outstanding arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Dela Rosa has been out of public view since May 14, a day after gunfire erupted inside the Senate complex, seen by critics as a smokescreen to facilitate the senator’s escape.

Tracker teams

Asked about the agency’s pursuit of the wanted senator, Matibag said manhunt operations are ongoing, refusing to divulge specific areas being monitored.

“We have a team tracking him under surveillance. We have identified some areas that we are monitoring up to now,” he said at a press briefing in Davao City.

“I hope sooner than later we can make our operations once we are really sure of the location,” the NBI chief added, confirming that Dela Rosa is still in the country. — Diana Lhyd Suelto