PNP chief probes alleged police escort of van suspected of carrying Dela Rosa from Senate
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered an internal probe after allegations that police escorted a black van suspected of have carried Sen. Bato Dela Rosa from the Senate.
"Let me be absolutely clear: The [PNP] does not operate on blind because the integrity of our institution is at stake. While we have received the initial clarification from the Pasay City Police chief, I have already directed concerned investigative units to conduct an independent review of the logbooks, CCTV feeds, and radio dispatches from that morning," he said.
"If the investigation reveals that there was any unauthorized coordination, false reporting, or logistical support given to evade legal processes, those involved will face the full brunt of administrative and criminal sanctions."
Dela Rosa was confirmed to have left the Senate at around 2:30 a.m. on May 14 after multiple gunshots were heard inside the legislative building on May 13.
According to videos captured by GMA News, several vehicles were seen leaving the Senate parking from 2:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. last Thursday. Sen. Robin Padilla left at around 2:35 a.m., as per the Senate logbook.
The GMA News report also noted that a white MPV with PNP markings exited at around 3:03 a.m. and followed a black van.
Pasay City Police Chief Col. Joselito De Sesto confirmed to GMA News that he was on board the white police car, but said that the vehicle is not part of an escort.
"Ang kanyang paglabas sa gusali ng Senado ay bahagi ng kanilang police operation at walang kaugnayan sa anumang sinasabing sinusundan o binabantayang sasakyan," a statement from the Pasay City Police read.
Nartatez has also denied having prior knowledge and authorizing any logistical assistance for Dela Rosa's departure from the Senate.
"Our deployment in the area was strictly confined to public safety, crowd control, and managing the perimeter following the highly volatile shooting incident that occured hours prior," he said.
Earlier on May 13, Dela Rosa shared he received information he would be arrested after the day's session.
The senator served as the PNP chief during former president Rodrigo Duterte's term, allegedly helping him carry out the so-called drug war, for which Duterte is awaiting trial at The Hague. Duterte is charged with three counts of murder as crimes against humanity. Dela Rosa has been identified as one of Duterte's co-perpetrators and is now on the International Criminal Court wanted list.