Police complaints against those who aided Sen. Bato still under evaluation.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said an obstruction of justice complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against individuals who allegedly aided Senator Ronald dela Rosa in evading arrest could proceed to the preliminary investigation stage.

Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Evaristo Dato told reporters that the PNP filed the complaint with the DOJ on 11 August and that it is currently under evaluation.

Dato declined to identify the respondents, saying no subpoenas have yet been issued.

“Before confirming or sharing any names, it would be inappropriate for me because no subpoenas have been issued yet,” Dato said.

He said the complaint was filed under the mechanism provided by Department Circular No. 20, which allows the DOJ and law enforcement agencies to coordinate and exchange information during the evaluation of complaints.

Dato said the DOJ and the PNP had reached an understanding that there may be sufficient basis to proceed with a preliminary investigation into the alleged obstruction of justice.

Once a complaint reaches the preliminary investigation stage, the DOJ issues subpoenas to the respondents, requiring them to answer the allegations.

Dato said the department did not want to “jump the gun” on any respondent, reiterating that he could only confirm that the complaint was filed on 11 August.

Dela Rosa was last seen attending a Senate session on May 11 while under the protective custody of the Senate amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Two days later, a shooting incident broke out between Senate security personnel and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents stationed at an adjacent office facility.

The incident sparked panic and chaos among Senate personnel, journalists, and other civilians inside the Senate compound.

Dela Rosa later left the Senate’s protective custody aboard a vehicle driven by Senator Robin Padilla.

Padilla said in an interview that Dela Rosa had asked to hitch a ride out of the Senate building and to be dropped off in Makati City.