A DRIVER working for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now facing a string of criminal complaints following the chaotic shooting incident inside the Senate complex in Pasay City last Wednesday, according to the Southern Police District (SPD).
Identified only under the alias “Mel Oragon,” the 44‑year‑old suspect remains in the custody of the Pasay City police station while formal charges are being processed. SPD spokesperson Police Lieutenant Margaret Panaga confirmed that the complaints filed against him cover violations ranging from firearms regulations to offenses against public order and authority, reflecting the gravity of the disruption caused within a government facility.
The charges leveled against the NBI personnel include violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, alarm and scandal, tumults and other disturbances of public order, resistance and disobedience to persons in authority, disturbance of proceedings, trespass to property, breach of Senate security rules, and direct assault.
Investigators also disclosed that Oragon underwent a paraffin test, which returned a positive result for gunpowder nitrates — an indication of possible exposure to discharged firearms. Panaga, however, clarified that this finding alone is not conclusive proof that he fired a weapon, and authorities are still looking into the exact circumstances that led to the result, including whether he was near other individuals who discharged their guns.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession at the time of arrest were 30 rounds of 5.56 caliber live ammunition, one long magazine loaded with 26 rounds of the same caliber, a short magazine containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and personal items marked with official NBI insignia such as a blue jacket and a black polo shirt. The recovery of loaded magazines and large quantities of ammunition has raised further questions about the purpose of his presence and the materials he brought into the restricted area. Panaga added that it has not yet been determined if other law enforcement agents or Senate security staff involved in the standoff will also be subjected to paraffin testing to establish who exactly discharged their firearms.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions as NBI agents attempted to serve an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, leading to a confrontation with Senate security personnel.
Accounts of what triggered the gunfire vary: Malacañang earlier stated that Senate Sergeant‑at‑Arms Mao Aplasca fired the first warning shot, while Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reported that personnel under the Sergeant‑at‑Arms fired a total of 27 rounds and NBI agents fired five. Aplasca maintained that his team issued verbal warnings first before resorting to gunfire. The filing of charges against the NBI driver marks the first legal action arising from the incident, even as authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events and determine liability on all sides involved.
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