THE Philippine National Police‑Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP‑CIDG) announced on Wednesday that it will file a formal complaint against Senator Robin Padilla and several other individuals for their alleged involvement in helping Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa evade authorities and leave the Senate complex.
The development marks a significant turn in the investigation surrounding the controversial departure of Dela Rosa, who was previously under the protective custody of the Senate amid legal issues, including an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
In an official statement, the CIDG explained that the complaint is grounded on violations of Presidential Decree No. 1829, or the law penalizing obstruction of justice.
The case will be submitted to the National Prosecution Service under the Department of Justice, where prosecutors will determine if there is sufficient basis to pursue formal charges against the respondents. This legal step underscores the authorities’ stance that assisting a public official to evade lawful custody or escape from designated secure premises constitutes a serious offense punishable by law.
Authorities emphasized that the movement of Dela Rosa in the early hours of May 14, 2026, was far from a casual or spontaneous act.
“The transport of Senator Dela Rosa was not a mere hitchhike 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 stressed in its report. Investigators noted that the operation involved careful timing, route planning, and arrangements meant to bypass security measures and ensure that Dela Rosa could leave the area unnoticed.
According to the probe findings, Padilla’s vehicle was used as the primary means of transport, but the entire sequence of events indicated collaboration between multiple individuals who played different roles in the escape plan.
The CIDG added that evidence gathered so far — including testimonies, CCTV footage, and movement records — supports the conclusion that the act was deliberate and intended to interfere with legal processes. As the complaint moves to the Department of Justice, authorities vowed to hold all those involved accountable, sending a clear message that no person, regardless of position, is above the law when it comes to obstructing justice.
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