The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) recommended the filing of charges against suspended Acting Chief Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA) Mao Aplasca in connection with the shooting incident inside the Senate on May 13.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Alexander A. Morico II said the agency is endorsing the filing of charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Aplasca for alleged violations of Republic Act 11917 or the Private Security Services Industry Act, citing improper use of force and breach of rules of engagement, as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa on MBC TV News Network.
“As directed by SILG and chief PNP, we will be transmitting our findings sa Department of Justice, findings and recommendations. It is up to the Department of Justice to assess ‘yung ano po namin findings namin,” Morico said.
Morico said the CIDG findings point to violations of established protocols under the implementing rules and regulations of the law, particularly the required escalation under the “force continuum” before the use of firearms.
According to Morico, security personnel are expected to follow a graduated response system that begins with alert presence and verbal communication.
The CIDG has presented its findings on the Senate shooting, recommending that suspended acting OSAA's chief Mao Aplasca be charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ). (File photo via Edniel Parrosa)
Authorities stressed that warning shots are generally prohibited, especially in crowded areas such as Metro Manila.
Morico described the incident as involving what investigators termed “panic firing” by personnel of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), while noting that responding National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents returned what were characterized as “defensive“ shots during the confrontation.
“Panic firing, we assume na nilulusob kayo because continuous yung volume of fire. Sumasagot yung NBI ng paputok doon sa labas sa area ng canteen. So, putok din sila ng putok rito, sumasagot din yung NBI ng defensive shot,” he said.
The CIDG said a total of 10 OSAA personnel were subpoenaed for investigation as the lead agency handling the case, though not all have appeared physically at Camp Crame.
Investigators further said that initial findings suggest OSAA personnel may have triggered the exchange of gunfire inside the Senate compound, which also involves coordination with other security units deployed in the area.
Aplasca has surrendered his 9mm Scorpion pistol, which is now undergoing ballistic examination as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.
The Office of the Ombudsman suspended Aplasca for six months without pay while a fact-finding investigation into the Senate shooting remains ongoing.
The incident occurred on the evening of May 13 after a confrontation involving Senate security personnel and NBI agents deployed near the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) premises outside the Senate compound, according to earlier statements from Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
CIDG officials said the preliminary legal basis for the recommended charges centers on alleged violations of RA 11917, particularly provisions governing the proper use of force by private security personnel, which restricts firearm use to situations involving imminent threat or self-defense.
