MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) directed investigators to build what it described as an “airtight” criminal case against individuals allegedly involved in assisting Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in evading arrest linked to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The directive came after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported findings covering the events of May 14, when Dela Rosa allegedly left Senate protective custody during what authorities described as a chaotic incident inside the Senate premises.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said investigators are now looking into several individuals believed to have helped facilitate the senator’s departure.

“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.

“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.”

The PNP said the probe includes examination of vehicles allegedly used in the incident, with coordination already underway with transport agencies to trace ownership and movement records linked to the case.

Nartatez also rejected claims that police compromised the operation through public disclosures and high-profile enforcement actions, including a recent raid in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“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, speaking at Camp Crame, said investigators based their findings on evidence, including witness accounts and CCTV footage.

“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, referring to the Senate shooting incident and Dela Rosa’s reported departure.

He said multiple reports and recommendations have already been submitted to authorities, including possible obstruction of justice charges against several individuals, including Sen. Robinhood Padilla and five others.

“You can see her there in the CCTV footage. She is the one wearing a bulletproof vest,” he said.

Morico said the sequence of events suggests the incident was premeditated.

“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 CIDG findings had been submitted to the Department of Justice for further evaluation.

Dela Rosa reportedly left the Senate premises around 2:30 a.m. on May 14 aboard a white Toyota Fortuner allegedly linked to Padilla. The senator has maintained that Dela Rosa merely “hitched” a ride and was dropped off in Makati City.

Padilla has also denied that any escape took place, saying law enforcement personnel were present in the area at the time.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 11 confirmed that the order revoking Dela Rosa’s firearms license had been received and served to his legal counsel.

In a statement, PRO-11 said its Regional Civil Security Unit received the revocation order via email and formally served it to Atty. Vicente Adrian Pajaro, Dela Rosa’s legal representative.

The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office has also ordered the cancellation of Dela Rosa’s firearm licenses and the confiscation or surrender of 117 registered firearms under his name, in line with Republic Act 10591.