The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Thursday said the shooting incident at the Senate and the subsequent departure of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa are “related,” but stressed that the matter remains under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“So, let me just say na, you know, two incidents po ‘yan. They are related,” CIDG chief Police Major General Robert Morico II said in a press briefing.
“But the investigation is already with the Department of Justice. I do not want to preempt yung findings po ng Department of Justice,” he added.
Morico said investigators are looking into reports that a backup pickup vehicle was allegedly waiting outside the Senate premises after dela Rosa and his companions left the building.
Authorities said around six individuals, including Senator Robin Padilla, are being investigated for possible obstruction of justice in connection with the incident.
However, Morico declined to conclude whether the Senate shooting was staged or used as a “supervening event” to justify dela Rosa’s exit from the Senate.
The development comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed it had issued an arrest warrant against dela Rosa over killings linked to the war on drugs.
On May 13, while the Senate was under lockdown and dela Rosa was under protective custody, gunshots were heard inside the Senate building. He left the premises before dawn the following day, May 14.
PNP tracker teams have since been deployed to locate and serve the warrant of arrest.
Meanwhile, the PNP earlier revoked dela Rosa’s firearms licenses. His camp, through lawyer Atty. Israelito Torreon, said they will file an appeal against the decision.
