The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said it will refer obstruction of justice charges before the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service against Sen. Robinhood Padilla and several others over the alleged escape of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa from the Philippine Senate premises on May 14.
In a statement, the CIDG said its investigation found that Dela Rosa’s departure was not a simple hitch ride but a “highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver” intended to avoid detection.
“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.
Investigators also claimed another vehicle trailed Padilla’s car, allegedly serving as a security escort during the operation.
Dela Rosa, former PNP chief from 2016 to 2018, was under Senate protective custody before leaving the premises at around 2:30 a.m. aboard a white Toyota Fortuner reportedly linked to Padilla.
Padilla earlier said Dela Rosa merely hitched a ride and was dropped off in Makati City, denying any coordinated escape and insisting there was no intent to evade law enforcement.
