Matobato surrenders to PNP

Self-confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) member Edgar Matobato surrendered yesterday to the Philippine National Polic e Police in Camp Crame after a Davao City court issued an arrest warrant against him for illegal possession of firearms.

The 57-year-old Matobato was brought to the PNP headquarters in Quezon City by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV at about 9:06 a.m.

He was then later taken to the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for booking procedures.

The court issued the arrest order against Matobato after he failed to attend the arraignment of his case.

Earlier, Matobato said that he was saddened to hear that the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee will no longer invite him to the next hearings on extra-judicial killings happening in the country.

He added that with the recent developments, he is already giving his life to God.

“Binibigay ko na sa Diyos ang aking buhay. Kung ano man ang mangyari sa akin, tatanggapin ko ito ng maluwag,” Matobato said.

Trillanes, who has been providing protective custody to the self-confessed hitman since the start of the Senate hearings, expressed hope that the court will soon lift the arrest warrant against Matobato.

Trillanes insisted that it was not Matobato’s intention to miss his scheduled arraignment as he was in the Senate attending the hearing on the alleged extra-judicial killings.

As a result, the Davao City court issued an arrest warrant on Matobato.

Matobato told senators that no less than President and former Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte ordered the creation of a death squad.

Trillanes expressed confidence that PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa will ensure the safety of Matobato, whose life, he said, is in grave danger.

Dela Rosa assured Trillanes that Matobato will be safe in their hands. (Francis T. Wakefield)