NBI Releases Footage of Senate Compound Shoot-out Amid Warrant Dispute
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, 14 May 2026, released video footage documenting the gunfire exchange between its agents and the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) within the GSIS compound. The release aims to provide clarity on the 13 May incident that triggered a security lockdown at the Senate.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the confrontation began at approximately 18:00 on Wednesday when NBI personnel were deployed to secure the GSIS building at the request of its General Manager, Wick Veloso.
The footage and official reports indicate:
The Initial Challenge: OSAA personnel, led by retired Police Major General Mao Aplasca, intercepted NBI agents near a bridge connecting the two facilities.
The First Shot: Malacañang confirmed that Aplasca fired the first warning shot immediately after the NBI agents identified themselves.
The Escalation: In response, an NBI volunteer driver, identified as Mel Oragon, reportedly returned fire. Police records state the NBI fired roughly six shots, while the OSAA side discharged "not less than 30."
The tension coincided with an attempted service of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. While the Senator claimed he was being "wrestled" and blocked by agents, NBI Director Melvin Matibag clarified that his team had strict instructions not to approach the Senator and were solely present to secure the GSIS premises.
As of 15 May 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Senate are conducting parallel investigations into the legality of the discharge of firearms. Senator dela Rosa, who had been under the Senate’s "protective custody," reportedly left the premises early Thursday morning following a Supreme Court resolution requesting comments on his petition to block the arrest.
Authorities are now reviewing all CCTV and body-worn footage to determine if the engagement followed proper law enforcement protocols.
(Watch the video here: https://web.facebook.com/share/v/1EGhJCFfT8/)
