An arrested National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) driver linked to last week’s shooting incident at the Senate tested positive for gunpowder residue, police said Monday, as investigators continue to determine whether he fired a gun during the commotion.
Southern Police District spokesperson Lt. Margaret Panaga identified the driver as Mel Oragon, who remains under the custody of the Pasay City Police Station.
“Based on the test conducted by SOCO, he was positive for gunpowder nitrates,” Panaga told reporters at Camp Crame, referring to the Scene of the Crime Office.
Panaga, however, stressed that the test result does not yet conclusively prove that Oragon fired a weapon, noting that a person may test positive for gunpowder residue if a firearm was discharged nearby.
Asked whether investigators had established that Oragon fired a gun during the incident, Panaga said the matter remains under investigation.
“As of now we cannot give conclusive details because the investigation is ongoing,” Panaga said.
“As of now, that is the subject of the investigation we are conducting,” she added.
Oragon was arrested following the shooting incident inside the Senate premises last Wednesday, which triggered security concerns and prompted investigations by law enforcement agencies.
He has since been charged with seven offenses, including violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act; alarms and scandal; tumults and other disturbances of public order; resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or his agent; disturbance of proceedings; trespass to property and violation of Senate security; and direct assault.
Police said the investigation is continuing to determine the full circumstances of the Senate shooting and the possible participation of those involved.