The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) driver arrested following the Senate shooting incident was unarmed, clarifying his role during the chaotic security response.

During a Presidential Communications Office press briefing on May 19, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the individual was instructed only to retrieve a tactical bag left behind by an NBI agent assigned to guard a door inside the Senate premises.

Remulla explained that confusion during the incident led to the driver’s arrest as authorities conducted clearing operations amid uncertainty over the situation.

“I arrived there approximately 8:35, after which I met with the senators and I gave instructions for the PNP to do mapping up operations,” Remulla said.

He added that the presence of a tactical bag at the scene added to the confusion. “It was the bag of the NBI agent who was guarding that door,” he said.

Remulla clarified the driver’s role, stressing: “His job was simply to retrieve the bag.”

He also noted that the arrest occurred due to uncertainty during the operation. “He was not armed. He had identification with him,” Remulla added, describing the situation as occurring in the “fog of war,” where roles were not immediately clear.

The clarification comes after earlier reports linked the NBI driver to the shooting and alleged gunpowder residue findings from paraffin tests. However, the driver, identified in separate reports as Mel Oragon, denied firing any weapon and questioned the paraffin test results.

He also insisted he never handled a firearm during the commotion and claimed he was only instructed to recover a sling bag left inside the GSIS compound.

Authorities said further validation is ongoing as part of the continuing investigation into the Senate incident.