MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday said it is reviewing a complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) accusing Senator Robinhood Padilla of obstruction of justice in connection with the alleged escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa from the Senate premises on May 14.

The complaint stemmed from allegations that Dela Rosa, who reportedly came out of hiding months after a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November last year, was able to leave the Senate building in Pasay City by passing through law enforcement personnel stationed outside, allegedly using an SUV linked to Padilla.

The ICC has previously named Dela Rosa as a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity charges filed in relation to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

Department of Justice spokesperson Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo “Polo” Martinez confirmed that the agency received the complaint from the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Thursday afternoon.

“As with any complaint filed before the department, the same will be evaluated in accordance with established procedures and applicable rules,” Martinez said.

“If the evidence warrants, the matter will be docketed for the conduct of a thorough preliminary investigation to determine whether prima facie evidence exists to charge the respondents in court.”

The DOJ said the complaint will undergo standard evaluation procedures to determine whether it will proceed to preliminary investigation.

Philippine National Police officials have yet to provide additional details on the complaint.