QUEZON CITY—The Philippine National Police (PNP) on May 28 ordered investigators to build an airtight criminal case against the network of individuals who helped Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa escape the Senate to evade an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. 

The directive follows findings from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which tracked the events of May 14 when Dela Rosa reportedly slipped out of protective custody during a chaotic shooting incident on the Senate premises. 

Police are now actively scrutinizing the vehicles and support units used in the operation, coordinating with transport agencies to trace ownership records and vehicle movements.

While public attention initially zeroed in on Senator Robinhood Padilla who claimed Dela Rosa merely hitched a ride in his vehicle, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez revealed that investigators have uncovered a highly organized operation. 

“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,” General Nartatez said.

The police are targeting a specific circle of accomplices, including drivers, security escorts, and the owners of backup vehicles that trailed the senators during the getaway.

Nartatez issued a stern warning to anyone shielding the former top cop from international justice, emphasizing that status will not grant immunity from prosecution. 

"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."