The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed investigators to build what it called an “airtight” criminal case against individuals allegedly involved in helping Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa evade arrest tied to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The order came after findings from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which reviewed the events of May 14 when Dela Rosa reportedly left Senate protective custody amid a chaotic incident inside the premises.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said investigators are now looking beyond a single individual and examining a wider network of alleged participants.
“We are looking at several individuals – including the drivers, security escorts, and owners of the backup vehicles involved in trailing them – who actively participated in this incident,” Nartatez said.
He warned that anyone who helped evade arrest could face legal consequences.
“Let this be a clear warning: there will always be legal consequences when you choose to interfere with law enforcement and assist a person in evading arrest, regardless of your status,” he added.
Police said the probe includes vehicle tracking, ownership records, and coordination with transport agencies to map out movements linked to the incident.
Authorities also addressed criticisms that public updates and high-profile operations may have affected the pursuit. Nartatez insisted police operations remained secure and professional.
“The PNP operates transparently, but we never compromise operational security or give advance notice to individuals facing arrest,” he said.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, said investigators are working off CCTV footage, witness accounts, and other evidence already submitted to the Department of Justice.
“Let me just say that, you know, there were two incidents. They are related. But the investigation is already with the DOJ, and I don’t want to preempt the findings of the Department of Justice,” Morico said.
He confirmed that reports and recommendations for legal action have been submitted, including obstruction of justice cases against Senator Robinhood Padilla and five others.
“You can see her there in the CCTV footage. She is the one wearing a bulletproof vest,” he said, referring to one of the individuals under scrutiny.
Morico said the evidence suggests the incident was not accidental.
“It was not incidental. It was not merely a hitchhiking incident. It was well-planned and well-coordinated because there was even a backup vehicle,” he said.
He added that the CIDG is now leaving final legal determinations to the DOJ while continuing to provide support.
“We investigated both the Senate shooting and the escape. As for drawing conclusions, we have already turned over the case to the Department of Justice,” Morico said.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that Dela Rosa’s firearms license has been revoked, along with orders covering 117 firearms registered under his name, which are subject to confiscation or surrender under Republic Act 10591.