Manila: Ombudsman Crispin Remulla announced a six-month preventive suspension imposed on acting Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca following a gunfire incident inside the Senate building on Wednesday night. The suspension is without pay, as Aplasca admitted to being the first to fire a warning shot at National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives, which Remulla described as 'unacceptable behavior.'
According to Philippines News Agency, the Office of the Ombudsman will conduct an independent investigation into possible charges against Aplasca, including obstruction of justice, gross neglect of duty, aiding and abetting a fugitive from justice, and illegal discharge of a firearm. Remulla emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, "It's worrisome if we will allow this to go unpunished. We cannot just ignore something of this magnitude."
The Philippine National Police's initial investigation revealed that not less than 30 shots were fired during the incident, causing commotion near the Senate session hall. Remulla further expressed his concern over Aplasca's actions, questioning his authority to act against law enforcers.
Remulla also mentioned plans to subpoena media footage related to the incident and stated that the investigation would include NBI and PNP personnel present during the event. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
In a related development, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano appealed to Ombudsman Remulla to suspend NBI Director Melvin Matibag and NBI Organized and Transnational Crimes Division chief Jerome Bomediano in connection with the shooting. Cayetano stressed the importance of informing the Senate formally so that a replacement could be designated to ensure security continuity before the Senate convenes as an impeachment court.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada welcomed the call for an impartial investigation and emphasized the need to preserve the Senate's CCTV footage to provide a clear and fair account of the events. Estrada urged focus on facts rather than speculation or politics and supported Cayetano's call for the Senate to resume addressing the country's urgent issues.
The shooting incident occurred amid tensions over a reported warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa. The NBI and PNP have stated they will await a Supreme Court ruling on dela Rosa's petition for a restraining order against the ICC arrest warrant, linked to former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration's war on drugs, for which dela Rosa served as PNP chief.
