Muslim groups, allies gather at DOJ as Senator Robin Padilla faces obstruction probe

Supporters of Senator Robinhood "Robin" Padilla, including Muslim groups and political allies, staged a rally outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday as the lawmaker appeared for a preliminary investigation into obstruction of justice charges.

Demonstrators from PDP-Laban, Duterte Youth, the Inday Sara Duterte Advocacy group, and the Eagles Brotherhood joined Padilla's Muslim supporters outside the DOJ compound around 1:30 p.m. Carrying banners and tarpaulins, the protesters voiced opposition to the DOJ subpoena and declared solidarity with the senator.

Padilla personally attended the proceedings to submit his counter-affidavit against the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

The charge stems from a May 14 incident in which Padilla allegedly assisted Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa in evading arrest. PNP-CIDG officers were attempting to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Dela Rosa at the Senate premises in connection with the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Padilla denied the allegations, maintaining that Dela Rosa simply hitched a ride in his vehicle as he was leaving the Senate. He also criticized the complaint, questioning why domestic legal action was being initiated over an international warrant and arguing that he was being unfairly targeted.

-Paraluman News