Senate Shooting Incident: Timeline, Official Probe, and Reactions

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Has ordered a fair and thorough investigation into a shooting incident that occurred at the Philippine Senate on May 13, 2026.

The event, which took place at the Senate complex in Pasay City, resulted in a total lockdown of the facility following reports of gunfire and an alleged arrest. The incident has drawn immediate attention from the executive branch and national security agencies.

Military and Security Clarifications

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intervened to clarify the origin of the gunfire, stating that the shots were fired by the Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA). The AFP explicitly denied that soldiers were responsible for the shooting.

Simultaneously, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has addressed claims regarding the identity of individuals involved. NBI Director Melvin Matibag issued a formal denial stating that Mel Oragon is not an employee of the bureau.

Institutional Involvement

The events of May 13 involve a complex timeline featuring several high-ranking officials. Reports indicate the involvement of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano in the sequence of events leading up to and during the lockdown.

The incident has sparked reactions across the political and social spectrum, with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and various public figures expressing concern over the outbreak of violence within the legislative premises.

Investigation Status

The directive from President Marcos Jr. Emphasizes the need for an impartial probe to determine the exact cause of the confrontation and the circumstances that led to the discharge of firearms inside the government complex.

The administration’s call for a fair probe follows the initial reports of the lockdown and the subsequent denials issued by the AFP and the NBI regarding the personnel involved in the encounter.