Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday ordered a full investigation into the armed intrusion and gunfire incident that triggered panic inside the Senate complex in Pasay City, as authorities moved to identify the individuals involved and determine how they were able to enter the premises.
Speaking to reporters outside the Senate building, Remulla said initial information indicated that personnel from the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) fired warning shots after spotting armed men inside or near the complex.
“In their retreat, they started firing into the air. That’s as far as we know. That is not conclusive. We still have to review the footages,” Remulla said.
The incident prompted a lockdown and security sweep of the Senate building late Wednesday night amid heightened tensions surrounding Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who is currently under Senate “protective custody” following the issuance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant tied to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Earlier, Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza described the group involved as “perceived NBI agents,” although authorities later stressed that no conclusion had yet been reached regarding their identities.
Asked whether the armed individuals were members of the National Bureau of Investigation, Remulla cautioned against speculation.
“Please do not ask questions that are leading,” he said.
“I repeat, we do not know who are behind this. But we will find them. We have all the security footages,” he added.
Remulla said investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage to determine how many individuals were involved, where they entered, and what exactly transpired during the incident.
Authorities have yet to establish how the armed men managed to breach Senate premises.
The Interior chief clarified that OSAA personnel did not pursue the armed individuals, explaining that Senate security’s primary role was protection rather than pursuit operations.
“No one is under custody,” Remulla said.
He also emphasized that the government was not at the Senate to arrest dela Rosa.
“Next, we are not here to arrest Senator dela Rosa. In fact, we are here to protect him,” Remulla said.
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given strict instructions to secure the senators, whoever they may be,” he added.
Remulla said he personally assured both dela Rosa and Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano that authorities were focused on ensuring the safety and integrity of the Senate institution.
As of Wednesday night, police and security personnel were conducting a floor-by-floor sweep of the Senate complex while non-essential personnel were asked to leave the premises.
“Senator dela Rosa has been informed that we are doing a sweep of the building. He informed us that he wants to rest in his chambers,” Remulla said.
He added that individuals found inside the building without official purpose may also be investigated as part of the ongoing security review.
Remulla said dela Rosa remained safe and under the protection of Senate security personnel while the investigation continues.