PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (Courtesy: Office of the Chief PNP)

At least 30 gunshots were fired during the shooting incident at the Senate on Wednesday night, as police investigators said the bullets’ trajectories indicated the shots came from inside the building.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed this on Thursday and committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the gunfire incident inside the chamber’s building in Pasay City on Wednesday night.

PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) were still working on what transpired inside the Senate.

The investigation follows reports of an alleged attempt to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa inside the Senate building after the International Criminal Court (ICC) reportedly issued a warrant in connection with the previous administration’s war on drugs.

“We assure all our kababayan of a thorough, objective, and exhaustive investigation of this incident. Our goal is clear: follow the evidence wherever it leads. We are working closely with the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure that no stone is left unturned. This is a matter of national security and public trust,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla went to the Senate late Wednesday to check on the situation and meet with Senate officials following instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to secure everyone inside the building and determine the truth behind the incident.

President Marcos earlier said the incident was not government-led.

Nartatez also ordered concerned units to coordinate closely with the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and Senate leadership to secure all possible evidence.

The PNP raised its security posture to the highest alert status following reports of gunfire inside the Senate complex.

Nartatez said police units deployed in the area were tasked to support security operations while authorities conducted the investigation. He stressed that police personnel did not fire any shots during the incident.

“Our personnel are there in a purely supportive and protective capacity, coordinated strictly with the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms. Their presence is intended to maintain order, secure the perimeter, and ensure the safety of the Senators and the staff while the investigation is active. They are not there to interfere with legislative proceedings,” he said.

The National Capital Region Police Office and the CIDG were also instructed to secure and preserve all available CCTV footage, radio communications, and entry logs that may help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, during a press briefing at Camp Crame, reported the arrest of a man from Camarines Norte who was allegedly found with ammunition and a rifle magazine by Police Security and Protection Group personnel responding to the area.

“What happened there when our PSPG personnel responded was an individual who was caught. This is a native of Camarines Norte, 44 years old and he was caught in his possession what we call live ammunition of 5.56 or M15 and magazine and based on that he was inquested and will be charged with at least 5 cases by the Pasay City PNP,” Tuaño said.

Tuaño said the suspect would face criminal charges in connection with the incident and the items recovered from him.

“This is illegal possession of ammunition 10591, alarms and scandal, grave threats, direct assault and then we will look into possible violation of the Senate security regulations,” Tuaño said.

Earlier, the Southern Police District identified the suspect as alias “Mel,” who was allegedly employed as a driver at the National Bureau of Investigation.

Tuaño confirmed the suspect’s identity but not his alleged employment.

“His name has been confirmed. As for his alleged employment, we are saying that within the day the PNP will issue an official statement regarding his relationship with other agencies,” he said.

“Initially, on CCTV, we saw that there were several individuals there, he was among them, but as for whether he fired the shots, we will know when the official report of the Anti-Cybercrime Group is released,” Tuaño added.

— Vince Lopez