The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may invite Sen. Robin Padilla for questioning if directed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as authorities seek information regarding the whereabouts of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
In an interview, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said Padilla is among the individuals who could be asked to provide information that may assist authorities in locating dela Rosa.
Matibag explained that Padilla may be one of the first persons authorities would want to speak with because he was reportedly among the last people seen with dela Rosa before the senator left the Senate premises.
According to Matibag, Padilla had acknowledged that he gave dela Rosa a ride and dropped him off in Makati City.
However, the NBI chief said Padilla should not wait for a formal invitation from law enforcement agencies before sharing information that could help authorities. He encouraged the senator to voluntarily cooperate and provide any details that may be useful to the ongoing effort.
Padilla previously said he does not know where dela Rosa went after they parted ways. He also denied helping the senator evade authorities, maintaining that there was no arrest warrant at the time he accompanied him.
The possibility of inviting Padilla forms part of broader efforts by authorities to gather information from individuals who may have knowledge of dela Rosa’s movements.
Matibag noted that the NBI’s interest is not limited to Padilla and could extend to other persons who may possess relevant information regarding the senator’s whereabouts.
The development comes as authorities continue to monitor information related to dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court in connection with the anti-drug campaign of the previous administration.
No formal summons for Padilla had been announced at the time of reporting.
