The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has officially tagged Senator Robin Padilla and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca as “persons of interest” following the reported escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the Senate premises.
The investigation focuses on a chaotic sequence of events on Thursday, May 14, when NBI agents attempted to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that investigators are retracing Dela Rosa’s movements after he allegedly slipped away following a late-night standoff.
Matibag noted that Senator Padilla was allegedly spotted with the former police chief during the exit.
“Parang lumalabas naman is si Sen. Robin Padilla ang kasamang lumabas.”
The inquiry also heavily involves retired police officer Mao Aplasca, the Senate’s head of security, who is accused of orchestrating the resistance against the federal agents.
“Ang susunod po si Gen. Mao Aplasca kasi siya po ang security head d’yan po sa Senate.”
The situation reportedly turned violent at the bridge connecting the Senate building to the GSIS complex. According to NBI personnel, Aplasca allegedly discharged a firearm after Senate security blocked the path of the agents. Investigators are also looking into statements from Dela Rosa’s wife, Nancy, who suggested that the ensuing commotion provided the necessary window for the senator to depart.
Dela Rosa remains a primary target of the ICC for his role as a co-perpetrator in the Duterte-era drug war.
While former President Rodrigo Duterte is already in custody in The Hague, Philippine authorities are still working to establish the current whereabouts of the fugitive senator.