Manila: Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has initiated an internal investigation following allegations that local police escorted Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa out of the Senate compound on May 14.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP chief emphasized the importance of maintaining the institution's integrity and ordered an independent review of logbooks, CCTV feeds, and radio dispatches from that morning. Nartatez stated that the police do not operate blindly and stressed the need for transparency in this matter.

Pasay City Police chief Col. Joselito de Sesto acknowledged being inside a white police vehicle seen in a video alongside a black van suspected of carrying Dela Rosa as they left the Senate compound around 3 a.m. on May 14. However, he denied providing any escort to the senator.

Nartatez warned that if the investigation uncovers any unauthorized actions, false reporting, or logistical support designed to circumvent legal processes, those involved would face administrative and criminal consequences. The investigation seeks to validate whether there was any improper coordination or assistance provided to Dela Rosa.

Senator Dela Rosa reappeared at the Senate on May 11 after a six-month absence amid rumors of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). He was placed under Senate custody but departed after a gunfire incident occurred the previous night.

Gen. Nartatez firmly denied any authorization from Camp Crame for covert assistance or special movement operations related to Dela Rosa's departure plans. He reassured that the national police leadership was unaware of any such plans and that their deployment was focused solely on ensuring public safety, crowd control, and perimeter management following the shooting incident.