The Department of Justice (DOJ) said a case build-up is underway against individuals who may have helped facilitate the alleged escape of Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa during the May 2026 Senate incident.

Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato, who heads the DOJ's Law Enforcement Cluster, said prosecutors are continuing to gather evidence to determine possible criminal liability in connection with the incident.

As part of the investigation, the panel of prosecutors conducted an ocular inspection of the Senate premises on 30 June 2026.

Dato said investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possible involvement of individuals who may have assisted the senator.

"The case build-up is continuing, including the determination of the liability of individuals who may have facilitated the escape of Sen. Ronald M. dela Rosa," Dato said.

Asked for an update on whether investigators had determined if there was an orchestrated effort to aid Dela Rosa's escape, Dato said the panel has yet to complete its evidence gathering.

"The evidence upon which the panel would be confident to make a determination is not yet complete," he said.

"Let's leave it to the panel to complete the investigation in due course, and then we will make the appropriate announcement when that determination is finally made," Dato added.

Meanwhile, Dato said the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has yet to resubmit the obstruction of justice complaint that the DOJ earlier returned for further case build-up.

He explained that the complaint was referred back to the CIDG under Department Circular No. 20, which allows prosecutors to assist law enforcement agencies in strengthening evidence before formal proceedings are initiated.

According to Dato, prosecutors also provided guidance on the additional matters that should be incorporated into the complaint to support the ongoing investigation.