Manila: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag defended the agency's driver-volunteer, Mel Oragon, who was arrested following last week's shooting incident at the Senate. Matibag clarified that Oragon was not issued a firearm despite testing positive for gunpowder residue.

According to Philippines News Agency, Matibag stated that videos circulating online showed Oragon on the fifth floor of the GSIS building when the shooting occurred at the adjacent Senate building. He was later brought to the Senate grounds during his arrest, where the Senate's Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) had been firing gunshots.

Matibag explained that Oragon returned to the area to retrieve a bag left behind by a companion. Before he could reach it, he was chased, arrested, and made to lie face down on the Senate floor. Matibag suggested that this explained the gunpowder residue, as the OSAA had been firing weapons in the area.

The shooting incident at the Senate coincided with the disappearance of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a 'co-perpetrator' in former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Dela Rosa's camp has filed urgent motions with the Supreme Court, including one to block the ICC's arrest warrant.

Matibag emphasized that the NBI is waiting for the Supreme Court's decision on the case. He noted that, from the perspective of legal authorities, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), the warrant is considered valid.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o confirmed that several OSAA personnel appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at Camp Crame in connection with the Senate shooting probe. Suspended OSAA acting chief Mao Aplasca was also present, as confirmed by CIDG - National Capital Region chief Col. John Guiagui. Further details on the OSAA personnel's appearance have not been provided.