Here’s what Robin Padilla said to justify fetching Bato Dela Rosa from the Senate.
Senator Robin Padilla said he just dropped off Senator Ronald Dela Rosa in Makati after they exited the Senate building following the gunshots.
Consecutive gunshots from inside the Senate building were heard, sending the people inside into fear and panic. The news erupted online, as this has happened amid rising tensions following developments surrounding the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
When the CCTV footage was released, suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca and two of his personnel were found to be the individuals behind the shooting. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II said criminal complaints would be filed against them.
They have, accordingly, committed a clear violation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11917, or the Private Security Services Industry Act. Under the IRR of RA 11917, private security personnel are required to follow a six-level “force continuum”: alert presence (Level 1); verbal communication (Level 2); physical restraints (Level 3); use of chemical agents (Level 4); temporary incapacitation (Level 5); and use of force or firearms (Level 6).
The warning shots released were not included in the six stages.
There were also clips suggesting Dela Rosa fleeing from the Senate amid the chaos and taking the car of Senator Robin Padilla to escape. In an interview on Thursday, May 22, Padilla denied helping Dela Rosa to escape and evade authorities.
According to Padilla, there was nothing unusual about what happened, stressing that no one attempted to stop them as they left the Senate premises. Padilla said, “Paano kami tatakas? Ang daming pulis sa loob at labas ng Senado, may CCTV pa. Wala namang humarang sa amin.”
Padilla maintained that Dela Rosa’s decision to leave was motivated by safety concerns following the gunshots fired. He firmly denied intentionally helping the senator escape from authorities seeking to serve an ICC-related arrest warrant.
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