CIDG to file raps vs. Robin Padilla, others over Bato dela Rosa escape

The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Wednesday said it will file a complaint against Senator Robin Padilla and several others for allegedly helping Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape.

In a statement, the CIDG said the complaint for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829 or obstruction of justice will be referred to the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“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.

“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,” it added.

The CIDG said the filing of the complaint is in line with its mandate to investigate crimes and enforce the law “equitably and without exception.”

“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.

GMA News Online contacted Padilla's office to get his comment but they have yet to issue a statement as of posting time.

Earlier, the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed that the tribunal has issued an arrest warrant for dela Rosa in connection with the killings under the war on drugs during the Duterte administration.

While the Senate building was on lockdown and dela Rosa was under the protective custody of the upper chamber on May 13, gunshots were heard inside the building of the legislative body.

Hours later, before dawn on May 14, dela Rosa left the Senate.

Padilla said on May 22 that he did not help dela Rosa "escape," as the former police chief only asked to hitch a ride with him out of the Senate building after a shooting incident took place on its premises.

DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida on Tuesday appealed to dela Rosa to surrender to authorities, following his disappearance again from the public eye amid the ICC arrest warrant against him.

Vida also said the DOJ is also looking into the possible culpability of Padilla, who had admitted that dela Rosa “hitched a ride” with him out of the Senate building on May 14. —KG, GMA News