CIDG bares other possible implicated persons over Bato dela Rosa escape

The PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday identified other individuals that may be implicated in the escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

At a press conference, CIDG chief Police Major General Robert Morico II said about six people may face charges for obstruction of justice, including Senator Robin Padilla, his uncle, and female security officer.

“You can see her doon sa CCTV footage. I think even the press that are assigned in the Senate, usually she's kasama. She's the one na may nakasuot ng bullet proof vest,” he said.

(You can see her there in the CCTV footage. I think even the press who are assigned in the Senate, usually she's with them. She's the one wearing a bullet proof vest.)

“She was a former AFP personnel. But the AFP…And foreign service officer po siya dati sa from the AFP. Ang employment niya pumunta po sa Department of Foreign Affairs as a foreign service officer. Later on naging security officer and staff ni Senator Robin Padilla,” he added.

(She was a former AFP personnel and she was previously a foreign service officer from the AFP. Her employment shifted to the Department of Foreign Affairs as a foreign service officer. Later on, she became a security officer and staff of Senator Robin Padilla.)

GMA News Online has sought comment from Padilla about the matter but he has yet to respond as of posting time.

Earlier, authorities visited several locations suspected to be Dela Rosa’s hideout, including the house reportedly owned by Padilla’s uncle in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Morico said the owner and driver of the pickup truck that allegedly served as a backup vehicle for Dela Rosa’s escape have also been identified.

The vehicle owner is Padilla’s cousin, he added.

Subpoenas had already been issued to several individuals linked to the incident, according to Morico.

ICC arrest warrant

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.

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.

Tracker teams have been deployed to locate and arrest the senator.

On Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it revoked Dela Rosa’s firearms licenses.

However, Dela Rosa’s camp on Thursday said they will file an appeal with the PNP over its decision to revoke his firearms license, according to his lawyer Atty. Israelito Torreon. — RSJ, GMA News