The Philippine National Police (PNG) announced Wednesday that it is recommending criminal charges against Mao Aplasca, the suspended acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, and two other personnel from the Senate's Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) in connection with the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate complex.
During a press briefing, PNG Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Police Major General Robert Morico II stated that investigators found violations of the Rules of Engagement and Republic Act No. 11917, the Private Security Services Industry Act. The police will submit their findings and recommendations to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for further action.
"As directed by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and the Chief of the PNG, we will be transmitting our findings to the DOJ. It is up to them to reassess our findings," Morico said.
According to the CIDG investigation, more than 40 shots were fired during the incident. Morico clarified that there was "no attack" on the Senate, contrary to earlier suggestions. He emphasized that warning shots by private security personnel are not permitted under existing rules.
The investigation revealed that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent involved only returned fire after OSAA personnel fired continuously. Morico described the NBI agent's response as "suppression fire" to allow safe escape, adding that the NBI agent was the one who was assaulted.
Morico also raised questions about who provided incorrect information that escalated tensions. "Who fed Aplasca wrong information that there would be an attack? And who failed to verify with their counterparts what was actually happening?" he asked.
Meanwhile, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the department would focus on determining whether any crime occurred. "The DOJ will only look into whether a crime was committed. Motivations are outside that determination," he noted.
The shooting took place amid heightened security following reports that Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa had sought protective custody due to an alleged arrest threat linked to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. No injuries were reported.
Martinez clarified that Philippine law does not recognize "protective custody," but the DOJ instructed the NBI to stand down as a gesture of respect to the Senate as a co-equal branch of government.