By Lane Afable, News Editor
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday turned over to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the results of its investigation into the gun-related incident at the Senate building on May 13.
The report, personally turned over by PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida during a Palace press briefing, includes available video footage, witness interviews, and sworn affidavits. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla was present during the press briefing.
“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,” the DILG chief added.
Nartatez said the PNP, through the Pasay City Police station, initially conducted the investigation.
The PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) later joined the investigation, particularly in unearthing records, facts, and the necessary evidence to come up with findings, conclusions, and recommendations, he said.
“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,” said Nartatez.
The PNP report also contained the chronology of events before the actual shooting, after the discharge of firearms, and also covered up to 2:30 a.m. on May 14, when Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, together with Sen. Robin Padilla, left the Senate building.
According to Nartatez, it will be up to a DOJ panel to review the PNP investigation report and decide on the possible course of action to be undertaken later.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the PNP to conduct a thorough investigation into the Senate incident as gunshots rang out amid heightened tensions following reports of a possible arrest of Senator Dela Rosa.
When asked about personalities to be charged and their offenses, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick A. Vida declined to comment pending further investigation.
“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 added.
“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,” the DOJ chief said.
