The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said Wednesday it will refer a complaint for obstruction of justice before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice against Senator Robinhood Padilla and several others who allegedly facilitated the escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa from the Senate premises at dawn of May 14.
In a statement, the CIDG said thorough investigation concluded that the transport of Dela Rosa was not a mere hitch ride on Padilla’s car, but a “highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver” specifically executed to avoid detection while escaping.
The investigation further showed that there was another vehicle tailing Padilla’s car, which served as a security escort and backup car during the maneuver.
“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.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018 under former president Rodrigo Duterte, was under Senate protective custody until he left the Senate premises at about 2:30 a.m. on May 14 aboard a white Toyota Fortuner allegedly owned by Padilla.
Padilla has maintained that Dela Rosa merely “hitched” a ride aboard his car and that he dropped him off in Makati City without asking where he was going.
Padilla also disputed that he and Dela Rosa had “escaped” the Senate, citing that there were many law enforcers in the area at the time. (PNA)