CIDG recalls subpoena vs. Dela Rosa amid Senate protection order

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (Senate of the Philippines/facebook)

MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has recalled the subpoena issued to Senator Ronald Dela Rosa over the revived investigation into alleged human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings linked to the anti-drug campaign during his time in the police force.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said CIDG operatives delivered the recall notice to Dela Rosa’s office Wednesday morning, where it was received by his staff.

Tuaño said the move was made out of respect for the Senate’s protection order covering Dela Rosa.

“Ito ay may kaugnayan sa pinag-usapan ni chief PNP at ng direktor ng CIDG bilang respeto sa institusyon ng Senado kaugnay ng Senate protection order na in-issue nila para kay Senator Bato Dela Rosa (This is related to the discussion between the chief PNP and the CIDG director to respect the Senate as an institution in connection with the protection order they issued for Senator Bato Dela Rosa),” Tuaño told reporters in an interview.

He said the investigation remains ongoing and the CIDG is completing its documentation before issuing another subpoena once the protection order issue is resolved.

“Kinokompleto nila yung documentation at, makaraang ma-settle yung issue ng Senate protection order, magsusumite ulit ang CIDG para magpa-receive ng panibagong subpoena kay Senator Bato Dela Rosa (They’re completing their documentation and, once the issue of the Senate protection order is settled, the CIDG will again submit for a new subpoena for Senator Bato Dela Rosa),” Tuaño said.

The original subpoena directed Dela Rosa to appear at Camp Crame on Thursday, but the recall means neither he nor his lawyers are expected to report to CIDG headquarters.

The issue gained attention after Dela Rosa unexpectedly appeared at the Senate on Monday amid the chamber’s leadership change. He has since remained there while facing calls to answer allegations tied to the anti-drug campaign.