The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered investigators to build an “airtight” criminal complaint against individuals who allegedly helped Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa evade arrest after he slipped out of Senate protective custody amid the May 14 commotion at the Senate premises.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the directive was issued after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group established new leads on the circumstances surrounding Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate, where he had been under protective custody in connection with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
Nartatez said investigators are no longer looking only at claims that Dela Rosa merely left in the vehicle of Senator Robinhood Padilla. He said police are examining what appeared to be a coordinated movement involving several people and vehicles.
“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 found to have helped obstruct law enforcement operations or assisted a person facing arrest would be held accountable.
“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.
According to the PNP, the investigation now covers vehicles and support units allegedly used during Dela Rosa’s movement out of the Senate. Coordination with transport agencies has also been ordered to trace vehicle ownership, routes, and other records that may help establish the roles of those involved.
Nartatez also rejected criticism that police compromised the manhunt by publicly releasing updates and conducting high-profile operations, including the recent search in a subdivision in Angeles City, Pampanga.
He said the PNP is keeping the public informed without revealing tactical details that could affect field operations.
“The Philippine National Police operates transparently, but we never compromise operational security or give advance notice to individuals facing arrest,” Nartatez said.
“Public updates are only shared to maintain transparency and address public interest, but our tactical movements, intelligence gathering, and field operations remain strictly confidential,” he added.
The PNP said the CIDG continues to consolidate evidence for the possible filing of charges against those who allegedly aided Dela Rosa’s escape or obstructed efforts to enforce the warrant.