While the investigation into the incident at the Senate that transpired on May 13, 2026, is still ongoing, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Frederick Vida announced that initial findings by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP- CIDG) showed that the incident was not an attack.
According to Vida, the special panel investigating the case also reported that the action taken by the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSSA) against the agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on that same day was not justified.
Additional findings by the panel reported that the NBI attempted to implement the arrest warrant for Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. Also, when the ICC warrant was unsealed on May 11, 2026, and made public, any person who helped him escape may be held responsible.
Vida explained that the findings of the panel were based on evidence submitted by the PNP-CIDG, members of the media, and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), including an ocular inspection of the GSIS premises. However, it wasn’t able to inspect the Senate premises.
The Senate deferred action on the requests made by the panel for an ocular inspection of the Senate premises and additional information because a separate and similar investigation is already being conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman and the PNP-CIDG.
Vida said he doesn’t want to preempt the investigation on the May 13 incident which is still active and ongoing.
“The panel has been directed to examine all available evidence, including forensic findings, documentary records, CCTV footage, witness statements, and other relevant materials. The objective is simple: to establish the facts and determine accountability wherever the evidence may lead,” Vida said.