Bato dela Rosa says PNP to secure Matobato

MANILA, Philippines — Police chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa on Friday gave his word that Edgar Matobato, an alleged hit man from the Davao Death Squad, will be safe in police custody.

"Hindi magagalusan yan. Pasuotin ng bulletproof vest, helmet, kahit bomb suit," Dela Rosa told reporters after Matobato surrendered at police headquarters Camp Crame earlier on Thursday.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV accompanied Matobato, who has been in his custody during the couse of the Senate justice committee inquiry into drug-related killings.

READ: Matobato surrenders before PNP

Trillanes turned over the custody of Matobato to PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa after the Davao City Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest against the hired gun for illegal gun possession charges.

Dela Rosa said, meanwhile, that Matobato will be issued a bulletproof vest, kevlar helmet, bullet proof goggles and mask as part of the security measures.

He said the police will even "armorize" the whole body of Matobato, if possible.

Matobato will be flown to Davao City on Monday to appear before the court.

He said he no longer fears for his life, especially that he is under police protection.

For his part, Dela Rosa said he has no "personal grudge" against the suspect, who tagged him as among the personalities behind the slew of unexplained killings in Davao City while President Rodrigo Duterte was still mayor. — Reports by Philippines News Agency / Perfecto T. Raymundo