The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has described the gunfire during the May 13 Senate incident as “overkill,” following findings that excessive shots were allegedly fired by members of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), despite claims that there was no clear threat inside the chamber.
CIDG Director PMGen. Robert Alexander Morico II said investigators observed that the number of shots discharged inside the Senate premises appeared disproportionate to the situation, noting that no actual armed assault was present at the time.
“Basically, overkill po yung... That's why we call it panic firing. Because yung mga tama po doon ng bala makikita natin through the glass window, sobra-sobra yung pinaputok doon sa OSAA na wala namang uma-atake sa kanila,” Morico said.
CIDG findings suggest that OSAA personnel may have fired multiple rounds in response to perceived threats, even though the inquest team noted that the arrested NBI volunteer-driver allegedly linked to the incident was not even present at the immediate scene of the firing exchange.
Authorities also pointed out inconsistencies in accounts of the incident, including claims that some individuals initially believed to be involved in the shooting were not actually at the location during the exchange of gunfire.
The CIDG is also evaluating operational procedures used by security personnel during the incident, including whether proper escalation protocols and use-of-force guidelines were followed before firearms were discharged.
The May 13 incident remains under investigation, with CIDG expected to submit recommendations for possible charges against involved personnel, including members of the Senate security detail, as part of ongoing proceedings.
