NBI chief Matibag admits lapses in arrest of teacher Ronnel Mas at VP Sara trial
NBI Director Melvin Matibag admitted to procedural lapses during the 2020 arrest of teacher Ronnel Mas, who was detained for a social media post threatening former President Rodrigo Duterte. The admission occurred during an impeachment court hearing.
Why it matters
The case highlights issues regarding due process, the legality of warrantless arrests, and the accountability of law enforcement agencies in the Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines - National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag admitted that there were lapses on the part of the bureau in the arrest of a public school teacher in Dagupan in 2020.
During his testimony before the impeachment court on Tuesday, July 21, Matibag said that there were "lapses in procedure" in the arrest of Ronnel Mas, who was arrested after a social media post that was alleged to be a threat against detained former President Rodrigo Duterte.
"Well, si Ronnel Mas po was released, precisely the reason why meron pong lapses sa procedure," Matibag said, responding to the question of senator-judge Raffy Tulfo.
(Well, Ronnel Mas was released for the precise reason that there were lapses in procedure.)
It may be recalled that in 2020, Mas, a public school teacher, posted on Twitter the following: "I will give 50 million reward to whoever kills Duterte."
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