The Philippine National Police (PNP) said its swift investigation into the May 13 Senate gun-related incident was anchored on physical and digital evidence, not speculation or political narratives.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the police units that handled the probe, saying investigators completed the fact-finding work in less than a week through a careful review of CCTV footage, ballistic findings, and other verified materials.
“I commend our investigators for their unwavering dedication and professionalism in conducting a meticulous, evidence-based inquiry. By prioritizing factual analysis, including ballistics and digital forensics, over speculation, our teams ensured that we provided the Filipino people with clear, objective answers in record time, proving that the PNP remains a highly capable and responsive institution,” Nartatez said.
The police chief said the outcome of the investigation reflected the PNP’s duty to uphold truth and accountability, particularly in sensitive incidents that draw intense public attention.
He said the probe was conducted in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure that investigators leave no stone unturned in determining what happened.
“This investigation serves as a testament to the PNP’s commitment to truth and accountability. We do not operate on rumors or political narratives. Our duty is to the facts, and by adhering strictly to the evidence, such as ballistic trajectories and verified CCTV footage, we uphold the integrity of our mandate to protect the public and ensure that justice is grounded in reality, not fear,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez also stressed the importance of releasing verified findings promptly to counter misinformation and ease public concern after the incident.
“Transparency is the bedrock of public trust. We pledged to release the truth as soon as possible, and we delivered, because the public deserves to be shielded from misinformation and the anxiety caused by unfounded theories,” he said.
“By acting swiftly and openly, we aim to restore calm, demystify the events of May 13, and hold all involved parties accountable based on the irrefutable evidence we have uncovered,” he added.
The PNP chief formally turned over the investigation records to Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on Tuesday, May 19, during a press briefing at Malacañang.