CIDG files charges vs Padilla, 5 others over Dela Rosa's escape

National

THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed obstruction of justice complaints against Sen. Robin Padilla and five others.

The charges filed before the Department of Justice stemmed from Padilla's alleged involvement in helping Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa out from the Senate premises to evade arrest.

In a press briefing on Thursday, May 28, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said Padilla had “indispensable cooperation” in helping Dela Rosa escape the Senate early hours of May 14.

Dela Rosa is facing arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his alleged participation in the bloody drug war during the Duterte administration.

Padilla admitted on May 22 that he allowed Dela Rosa to board his vehicle and leave the Senate premises. He said he dropped Dela Rosa in Makati City without any idea where he was headed.

However, police concluded that Dela Rosa's exit was not a simple "hitched ride" as Padilla claimed, but a highly coordinated, pre-planned escape intended to avoid detection by surrounding police forces.

Morico further exclaimed that other vehicles had been waiting in the vicinity of the Senate to serve as a security escort and backup during the escape maneuver.

The CIDG chief did not provide further details about them, citing operational matters.

The complaint is now in the preliminary investigation. State prosecutors will study Padilla's public admissions and CIDG evidence to determine if probable cause exists to elevate the case to court.(April Jane A. Cabalida, CNU-Main Campus Comm Intern)