The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) will be referring to the Department of Justice (DOJ) an obstruction of justice complaint against Senator Robin Padilla and several others for allegedly helping Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa escape.

In a statement released Wednesday morning, PNP-CIDG chief Police Major General Robert Alexander Morico II said the agency recommended the filing of a complaint for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829, or the obstruction of justice law, against Padilla.

“The PNP CIDG will refer a complaint for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829 (Obstruction of Justice) against Senator Robinhood ‘Robin’ C. Padilla and several persons who facilitated the escape of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. Dela Rosa before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice,” it said.

The CIDG said its investigation showed that Dela Rosa was not merely given a ride in Padilla’s vehicle on May 14, several hours after the shooting incident at the Senate on May 13. Instead, the CIDG described the incident as a “highly coordinated” and pre-planned escape maneuver rather than a simple hitch ride.

“Following a thorough 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,” the CIDG said in its statement.

The CIDG also revealed that another vehicle allegedly acted as a security escort and backup car for the white SUV owned by Padilla which Dela Rosa boarded during the operation.

While the CIDG did not identify the individuals involved, the agency said it would also recommend charges against “several” others who allegedly assisted Dela Rosa in evading authorities.

Dela Rosa is currently being sought by authorities following the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC identified Dela Rosa as an indirect “co-perpetrator” in crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, during which he served as chief of the Philippine National Police.

Morico earlier said intelligence information indicated that Dela Rosa remains in the Philippines.

“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 CIDG said.

Padilla earlier admitted that dela Rosa accompanied him when leaving the Senate and that he dropped him off in Makati City.

He also maintained that he does not know dela Rosa’s whereabouts and denied helping him evade authorities, saying there was no arrest warrant against the senator at the time.