OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Saturday, July 4, that former Senate Sergeant‑at‑Arms Mao Aplasca has been dismissed from public service in connection with the gunfire incident that occurred inside the Senate building last May.
Remulla confirmed during an interview with dzRH radio that he had already signed the formal dismissal order on Monday, June 29, though he did not immediately disclose the full details and legal basis of the ruling.
In his statement, Remulla clarified that the sanction covers Aplasca’s positions both as acting sergeant‑at‑arms of the Senate and as sergeant‑at‑arms of the Commission on Appointments.
He noted that the written decision will be made public within the week, explaining that it is important to release the document so the public can fully understand the reasoning behind the action. “We will release the decision for people to see because it is difficult to explain,” the Ombudsman said.
This new penalty follows an earlier order issued by the Ombudsman, which placed Aplasca under a six‑month suspension while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
The confrontation took place on May 13, when Aplasca reportedly fired the first warning shot that led to an exchange of gunfire inside the Senate premises. The incident unfolded at a time when Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was under preventive custody by the Senate, amid reports that authorities were attempting to serve an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
metrosundaily
