MANILA — Lawyer Israelito Torreon disputed the statement of National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago Matibag describing Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous,” saying the characterization has no factual basis.

In a statement dated May 24, Torreon said the remark does not help in peacefully addressing the legal issues surrounding the senator.

“With all due respect to Director Matibag and the NBI, this characterization is without factual basis and, we submit, does not contribute to an orderly and peaceful resolution of the legal issues at hand,” Torreon said.

He maintained that dela Rosa, a sitting senator, has conducted himself peacefully and in a manner consistent with his role as a public servant.

Torreon also raised concerns over the possible deployment of armed personnel to implement a warrant tied to what he described as unresolved legal questions.

“The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute effective March 17, 2019. No Philippine court has issued a valid domestic warrant against Senator dela Rosa. The ICC warrant, standing alone, is not self-executing within Philippine territory and its enforceability remains a live and unresolved legal question,” he said.

The lawyer added that dela Rosa has not defied the law and has instead pursued legal remedies before the courts.

“Through counsel, he has raised substantial legal objections before the proper courts, and those proceedings remain pending,” Torreon said.

He said the camp believes the issues should be resolved through judicial processes “and not through the use of force or inflammatory public statements.”

Torreon also disclosed that on May 22, 2026, the camp filed a “Manifestation with Reservation to File a Motion for Reconsideration” before the Supreme Court following the denial of the interim relief sought by dela Rosa.

“This filing was made in good faith to apprise the Honorable Court of the supervening events that have transpired following the denial of the interim relief sought by Senator dela Rosa,” he said.

Torreon urged the NBI and other government agencies to exercise restraint while awaiting the Supreme Court’s resolution of the matter.

“We remain committed to pursuing Senator dela Rosa’s cause through lawful and proper legal channels, and we have full faith in the wisdom and integrity of our courts,” he added.