Sen. Robin Padilla could not claim innocence on the escape and disappearance of fellow senator, Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) stood firm in its investigation that he played a key role in the incident.

In fact, CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II said two of Padilla’s close relatives are among those being investigated for their involvement not in the escape of Dela Rosa from the Senate but also his disappearance in Makati City.

Citing the result of the investigation, Morico said Padilla has played an indispensable role in the escape of Dela Rosa, “It will not happen without him.”

On Wednesday, May 27, the CIDG said it was able to establish that the escape of Dela Rosa was a highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver—with the participation of Padila’s female staff whom Morico described as a former military officer.

Padilla earlier denied that he helped Dela Rosa, saying the fugitive senator was just hitching a ride. 

But the CIDG did not see it that way based on the result of what it described as facts and evidence-based investigation.

“The CIDG has officially concluded that 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 statement read.

In fact, Morico said there was another vehicle tailing the car of Senator Padilla, which served as a security escort and backup car during the maneuver.

That vehicle, according to Morico during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, is registered to a close relative of Robin. 

“The owner (of the pick-up) is a son of Senator Padilla’s uncle from his mother’s side,” said Morico.

On Wednesday, at least four areas where Dela Rosa were reported to be hiding were raided by the CIDG operatives and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—one of them is reportedly a house of Padilla’s uncle in Pampanga.

Such facts and circumstances were the reason why the CIDG said it will refer a case of violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829 (Obstruction of Justice) against Padilla, and at least five others, including his relatives, to the DOJ Panel of Prosecutors.

Morico said subpoenas were already issued to all the people already identified in relation to the escape of Dela Rosa. 

“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. The PNP-CIDG emphasizes that any act of obstruction of justice will be met with criminal prosecution,” the CIDG said in a statement.

Morico said they will continue to submit pieces of evidence and investigation results to the DOJ, which in turn, is expected to build a case against those involved.

Airtight case

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said an airtight criminal complaint against the network of individuals that allegedly assisted Dela Rosa in escaping from the Senate.

The directive followed the recent CIDG findings tracking the events of May 14, when Dela Rosa slipped out of Senate protective custody during a chaotic shooting incident on the premises. 

He said that while public attention has focused on Padilla, who claimed Dela Rosa merely hitched a ride in his vehicle, police investigators uncovered an 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,” 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,” he added.

The PNP noted that the investigation also includes scrutiny of vehicles and support units allegedly used in the movement. Coordination with transport agencies has been ordered to trace ownership and movements linked to the case.

Push back 

Nartatez, meanwhile, pushed back against critics who alleged that authorities compromised the pursuit by publicly announcing their updates and conducting high-profile raids, such as the recent search of a subdivision in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“The Philippine National Police operates transparently but we never compromise operational security or give advanced 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 said.