Davao del Sur Gov. Yvonne Cagas assured Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida that the province would not become a sanctuary for fugitives, particularly Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, whose hometown is in the province.
Cagas gave the assurance during Vida’s visit to Mindanao, where the justice secretary held a dialogue with newly appointed officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The governor also told Vida that Dela Rosa was not currently in Davao del Sur.
Cagas emphasized that provincial authorities would not allow the senator to use the province as a sanctuary.
The assurance came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Dela Rosa might be hiding somewhere in Mindanao under the protection of an armed group.
However, factions of the Moro National Liberation Front had earlier denied providing protection to the senator.
The statements come amid reports concerning Dela Rosa’s possible whereabouts in Mindanao and allegations that armed groups could be involved in providing him protection.
Cagas’ assurance to Vida clarified the provincial government’s position, stressing that Davao del Sur would not serve as a refuge for the senator or other fugitives.
