The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) is set to refer an obstruction of justice complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Senator Robin Padilla and several unnamed individuals for allegedly facilitating the escape of fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
In a statement issued Wednesday morning, PNP-CIDG Chief Police Major General Robert Alexander Morico II confirmed that the agency recommended filing charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 1829, commonly known as the obstruction of justice law.
“The PNP CIDG will refer a complaint for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829 (Obstruction of Justice) against Senator Robinhood ‘Robin’ C. Padilla and several persons who facilitated the escape of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. Dela Rosa before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice,” the agency stated.
The referral stems from an investigation into the events of May 14, just hours after a shooting incident occurred at the Senate premises on May 13. While Padilla previously claimed he merely gave Dela Rosa a ride, the CIDG countered that the operation was an organized effort to evade law enforcement.
“Following a thorough investigation, the CIDG has officially concluded that the transport of Senator Dela Rosa was not a mere hitch ride on Senator Padilla’s car, but a highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver specifically executed to avoid detection while escaping the Senate premises,” the CIDG added.
According to investigators, the white SUV owned by Padilla—which Dela Rosa boarded to exit the Senate—was accompanied by a second vehicle that served as a security escort and backup car.
Although the CIDG withheld the identities of the other accomplices, it confirmed that charges would be recommended against everyone who assisted the fugitive lawmaker.
Dela Rosa is currently the subject of a manhunt following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The international tribunal has named the former police chief an indirect “co-perpetrator” in crimes against humanity connected to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Morico previously noted that intelligence reports suggest Dela Rosa is still hiding within the country.
“When individuals actively interfere in the arrest or assist in the evasion of criminal offenders to avoid prosecution, it undermines the justice system and compromises public order,” the CIDG emphasized.
Padilla has openly admitted that Dela Rosa rode with him from the Senate and was dropped off in Makati City. However, he maintained that he is unaware of Dela Rosa’s current whereabouts and denied intentionally helping him evade the law, arguing that no warrant had been officially served against his colleague at the time of the ride.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) indicated it stands ready to summon Padilla for questioning regarding Dela Rosa’s location, pending a direct order from the DOJ.