Pasay city: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the Senate was not under attack during the May 13 shooting incident, contradicting former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano's claims. DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida revealed findings from a special panel of prosecutors who investigated the tensions linked to Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa, facing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

According to Philippines News Agency, the panel determined that actions by the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms against the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) were unjustified. The NBI had attempted to enforce the arrest warrant for Dela Rosa, co-accused with former President Rodrigo Duterte in the ICC's "crimes against humanity" probe related to the war on drugs.

The panel stated that the ICC warrant was publicized on May 11, and anyone assisting Dela Rosa's evasion might be held accountable. Evidence from the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, media, and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) were crucial in the investigation, including a GSIS premises inspection. The NBI had claimed GSIS requested security for art pieces shared in the compound with the Senate.

Vida noted that Cayetano's leadership blocked Senate premises inspections but plans to renew the request under new Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. The panel aims to identify those who helped Dela Rosa escape on May 14, 2026, and investigate claims of sniper fire from the Senate building's fifth floor targeting an NBI vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing, with the DOJ's special panel working to uncover the full extent of the incident and potential orchestrations behind Dela Rosa's escape.