The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will conduct a “thorough, objective, and exhaustive investigation” into the shooting incident inside the Senate building in Pasay City on Wednesday night.
In a statement, the PNP said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will lead the probe and coordinate closely with Senate authorities.
“We assure all our kababayan (countrymen) of a thorough, objective, and exhaustive investigation of this incident. Our goal is clear: follow the evidence wherever it leads,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
He added that investigators will work with the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and Senate leadership to ensure a complete review of the incident.
“This is a matter of national security and public trust,” Nartatez said.
According to the PNP, Nartatez and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla went to the Senate on Wednesday night upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to assess the situation and determine the circumstances of the shooting.
The President earlier said the incident was not government-led.
The PNP said it has placed its units on the highest alert level following reports of gunfire inside the Senate complex, while emphasizing that police personnel deployed in the area did not discharge their firearms.
“Our personnel are there in a purely supportive and protective capacity… They are not there to interfere with legislative proceedings,” Nartatez said.
Authorities said the CIDG and the National Capital Region Police Office have been directed to secure and preserve CCTV footage, radio communications, and entry logs as part of the evidence-gathering process.
An initial report is expected once the review of available materials is completed.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. urged military personnel to remain disciplined and avoid political involvement in connection with the incident.
“My instructions to the soldiers nationwide are for everyone to remain calm, disciplined, and professional. We should only focus on our jobs and leave politics to the politicians,” Brawner said.
Brawner also clarified that AFP personnel inside the Senate compound did not fire any shots and stressed that the military remains professional and non-partisan.
The AFP said it will not raise its alert status despite the incident.
Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency
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