The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is not ruling out the possibility that the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) building was intended to be used as an “escape route” by Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.

During a media briefing at Balitaan sa Harbor View, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said he could neither confirm nor deny reports that such a plan existed, but acknowledged that the Senate complex could serve as a viable exit point, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort on Rapido Hataw Balita.

“I cannot confirm na magagawa nila ‘yun, but the Senate is a good escape route for that purpose,” Matibag said.

According to the NBI chief, there are seven entry points connecting the Senate building to the adjacent GSIS building, aside from the main gate itself.

Matibag said investigators are still determining whether there was indeed a plan by dela Rosa’s camp to use the area as an escape route.

Reports earlier surfaced claiming that a rehearsal had allegedly been conducted for the escape of the senator, who is reportedly being sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The controversy followed a shooting incident inside the Senate premises on May 13 amid an alleged attempt by NBI agents to arrest dela Rosa.

However, Matibag denied that the NBI carried out any arrest operation, saying there was no directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He explained that the bureau’s presence in the area was only due to a request from GSIS management for security assistance.

Dela Rosa left the Senate premises before dawn on May 14 following the shooting incident.