DILG: No security threat vs Sarah Discaya

The Department of the Interior and Local Government said Friday it has not monitored any security threat against contractor Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya, who recently surrendered to authorities.

DILG Public Affairs Undersecretary Donnie Puno told reporters at Camp Crame that Discaya remains safe in government custody.

“There’s no worry about any security risks,” Puno said. He added that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has been coordinating with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to ensure legal procedures are followed.

Remulla earlier said Discaya was never considered “armed or dangerous” and that her surrender would allow due process to proceed.

Meanwhile, the DILG  confirmed it has instructed local officials to monitor the whereabouts of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa amid reports that the International Criminal Court may soon issue an arrest warrant.

“In light of reports that an ICC warrant is forthcoming, we just want to be steps ahead, and we just want to make sure that we know where Senator Dela Rosa is since he has not been seen in the Senate for some weeks now,” DILG Public Affairs Undersecretary Donnie Puno told reporters Friday at Camp Crame.

Puno stressed that Dela Rosa is “not yet considered a fugitive” and that authorities are only keeping track of his location. If the ICC issues a formal warrant, he said the Supreme Court is expected to allow the senator to seek remedies before local courts.

Asked whether enforcing such a warrant against a former PNP chief would challenge the police, Puno replied: “I don’t think so. The PNP are professionals. They have a sworn duty, and we are confident they’ll abide by that.”