The Philippine National Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the gunfire incident that disrupted the Senate complex in Pasay City on Wednesday night, as authorities moved to determine exactly what transpired during the tense standoff.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have been tasked to lead the probe and coordinate closely with Senate security officials in gathering evidence.
The investigation comes amid reports of an alleged attempt to arrest Sen. Ronald dela Rosa inside the Senate in connection with a warrant reportedly issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
“We assure all our kababayan of a thorough, objective, and exhaustive investigation of this incident. Our goal is clear: follow the evidence wherever it leads,” Nartatez said.
“We are working closely with the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure that no stone is left unturned. This is a matter of national security and public trust,” he added.
Nartatez, together with Jonvic Remulla, personally went to the Senate following the incident to assess the situation and coordinate with Senate officials.
Their visit followed the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety of everyone inside the Senate and establish the facts behind the incident.
Marcos earlier denied claims that the commotion was orchestrated by the government.
The PNP chief said police units were instructed to coordinate closely with the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and Senate leadership to preserve all possible evidence linked to the incident.
Following the reported gunfire, the PNP raised its security posture to the highest alert level, deploying additional personnel around the Senate complex to assist in perimeter security and support Senate operations.
Nartatez, however, stressed that no police personnel fired shots during the incident.
“Our personnel are there in a purely supportive and protective capacity, coordinated strictly with the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms,” he said.
“Their presence is intended to maintain order, secure the perimeter, and ensure the safety of the senators and the staff while the investigation is active. They are not there to interfere with legislative proceedings,” he added.
The National Capital Region Police Office and the CIDG were also directed to preserve CCTV footage, radio communications, entry logs, and other materials that may help reconstruct the sequence of events.
Police investigators are expected to submit an initial report once evidence gathering is completed.