The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said it will file obstruction of justice complaints against Senator Robin Padilla and others over the alleged escape of Senator Bato dela Rosa from the Senate premises on May 14.
The CIDG said complaints for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829 or the obstruction of justice law will be filed before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice.
In a statement, the CIDG claimed that Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate was not merely incidental.
“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 in the dawn of May 14, 2026,” the CIDG said.
Authorities also alleged that another vehicle accompanied Padilla’s SUV during the operation.
“Furthermore, the investigation revealed that there was another vehicle tailing the car of Senator Padilla, which served as a security escort and backup car during the maneuver,” the CIDG added.
The CIDG stressed that it has the mandate to investigate crimes and enforce the law impartially.
“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 said.
“The PNP-CIDG emphasizes that any act of obstruction of justice will be met with criminal prosecution,” it added.
Dela Rosa is currently facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The senator had reportedly remained out of public view for six months before resurfacing on May 11 to vote for the election of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president.
Padilla earlier admitted that Dela Rosa boarded his SUV and later got off in Makati City, where another vehicle was allegedly waiting for the former police chief.
