URBIZTONDO—While Senator Leila de Lima had the privilege of appointing the time for her arrest on Thursday, it was another stressful experience for Ronnie Dayan, her former driver-bodyguard and alleged bagman for the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.
Dayan, also the self-confessed lover of the senator, was promptly served the warrant for his arrest Thursday night by the town police at his residence in Sitio Aplaya, Barangay Galarin this town.

Policeman takes mugshots of Ronnie Dayan at the Urbiztondo police station after his arrest (Punchphoto by Cesar Ramirez)

Dayan told local newsmen while undergoing booking procedures following his arrest around 7:00 p.m. that since the time he appeared in the congressional and Senate hearings about illegal drug trade in the National Bilibid Prison (NBP), he’s been restless thinking about how and where he would end up. “Na i-stress ako lagi,” he said.

He said his sleeping hours had been short and tried to keep busy by tending to his corn farm.

Despite this, Dayan said he still managed to smile after his mug shot was taken and during the interview.

“My tears have dried up this afternoon with my relatives,” he said, referring to the time they learned about the issuance of his arrest warrant.
He said he gathered his family and told them he would surrender. “I told them this is it and I have to face it,” he added.

He said he is clinging to prayers to overcome this challenge.

Dayan said his arrest is like death sentence since he cannot file bail even for his temporary liberty.

He continued to belie public perception that he was too powerful when he worked as driver in the Department of Justice (DOJ) during the time of then Secretary Leila de Lima who eventually became his paramour based on their separate public confessions.

He recalled surprise reaction of members of Special Weapons and Tactics that secured him that he didn’t know the nook and cranny of the DOJ office.

He said he has had no more communication with De Lima from the time he went into hiding and surrendered. Dayan was later arrested in his hiding place in La Union in November last year.

After testifying at the House and in the Senate, Dayan was back to his hometown in Urbiztondo.

He said he had expected his arrest warrant would be issued soon so when news broke out about the issuance by Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Thursday about it, he was not surprised a bit anymore.

The arrest warrant signed by Presiding Judge Juanita Guerrero said Dayan is charged with the crime of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, section 5, in relation to Section 3 (jj),Section 26 (b), and Section 28, of the Republic Act No. 9165 (Illegal Drug Trading).

Dayan said he trusts the police fully. “I leave everything to God,” he added.

Dayan was escorted Friday around 5:00 a.m. by the local police led by Chief Inspector Joshua Maximo, town police chief. His wife and two siblings joined the convoy to Muntinlupa. (Tita Roces)

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