MANILA — The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Wednesday said it will file a complaint against Senator Robin Padilla and several others for allegedly helping Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa leave the Senate premises.

In a media report, it said that the CIDG said the complaint, which cites alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829 or obstruction of justice, will be submitted to the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In a statement, the CIDG described the incident as a coordinated effort meant to avoid detection.

“The transport of Senator Dela Rosa was not a mere hitch ride on Senator Padilla’s car, but a highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver specifically executed to avoid detection while escaping the Senate premises in the dawn of May 14, 2026,” the CIDG said.

It also claimed that another vehicle allegedly followed Padilla’s car as part of a backup arrangement.

“Furthermore, the investigation revealed that there was another vehicle tailing the car of Senator Padilla, which served as a security escort and backup car during the maneuver,” it added.

The CIDG said the filing of the complaint is part of its mandate to investigate crimes and enforce the law without exception.

“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,” it said.

“The PNP-CIDG emphasizes that any act of obstruction of justice will be met with criminal prosecution,” it added.

Senator Padilla has not yet issued a direct legal response but posted religious messages on Facebook on the day of Eid’l Adha, expressing gratitude and citing verses from the Quran about faith and perseverance.

“Alhamdulillah. Araw ng EID’L ADHAA dumating ang pagpapala na ito. Maraming salamat po ya Allah! SubhanaAllah. Allah hu akbar. Maraming salamat po Ya Allah at hindi niyo po pinababayaan na mapalayo sa Inyo,” a portion of his post read.

ICC arrest warrant

The development comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed that an arrest warrant has been issued against Dela Rosa in connection with alleged killings linked to the war on drugs during the Duterte administration.

Dela Rosa had been under Senate protective custody following a lockdown incident at the Senate building on May 13, before he left the premises before dawn on May 14.

Padilla earlier said he did not help Dela Rosa escape, explaining that the senator merely asked for a ride after a shooting incident inside the Senate building.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida has since urged Dela Rosa to surrender to authorities and said the Department of Justice is also reviewing Padilla’s possible liability in the incident.