PNP submits Senate shooting probe report to DOJ

The Philippine National Police on Tuesday formally submitted to the Department of Justice the findings of its investigation into the gun-related incident that occurred inside the Senate building on May 13.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. personally handed over the investigation report to Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida during a Palace press briefing attended by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

The report contains video footage, witness interviews, sworn affidavits, and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

“Gusto ko pong isaad na pagkatapos ng anim na araw na masusing pag-iimbestigasyon, paghagilap po ng lahat ng available videos, interviews, affidavits ay marami po kaming konklusyon na nakuha,” Remulla said.

“For the record, all evidence points that there was no attack on the Senate. I would like to repeat, all evidence points that there was no attack on the Senate,” he added.

Nartatez said the initial investigation was conducted by the Pasay City Police Station, while the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group later assisted in gathering records, evidence, and other relevant information.

“Ito pong pag-unearth natin ng investigation lalong-lalo ng mga facts, lalong-lalo na last Friday, the Department of Justice has sent out a directive to turn in all records of investigation papunta sa Department of Justice,” Nartatez said.

The report also includes a timeline of events before and after the gunfire, including developments up to around 2:30 a.m. on May 14, when Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Robin Padilla left the Senate premises.

According to Nartatez, a DOJ panel will review the report and determine the next course of action.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed the National Bureau of Investigation and the PNP to conduct a thorough probe into the incident after gunshots were reported amid tensions surrounding a possible arrest of Dela Rosa.

Vida, however, declined to identify possible respondents or discuss potential charges while the investigation remains ongoing.

“I don’t want to preclude iyong panel natin… Ang tinitingnan nga noong panel natin, based on my order, is not only for May 13 and May 14 (incidents). Ang pinatitingnan natin, look at the totality of circumstances which started on May 11. So, lahat noong timelines na iyon from May 11 to May 14 titingnan ng ating panel,” Vida said.

“As to the kung sino culprit, ayaw ko muna i-preempt ‘no. As to the type of cases that will be filed, again, I don’t want to preempt my panel,” he added.

-Paraluman News