The Office of the Ombudsman has slapped acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca with a six-month preventive suspension without pay following last Wednesday’s high-stakes shootout at the Senate complex.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed the move, explaining that the former police general must be removed from his post temporarily to ensure a transparent investigation into the violence.
”Hindi tayo puwede maglagay ng tao na maaring maka-impluwensya sa mga bagay na kailangan nating mabungkal.”
The incident erupted after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa—facing an unsealed ICC arrest warrant—summoned supporters to the chamber, fearing an imminent arrest by the NBI and PNP.
Aplasca admitted to firing the initial warning shot after spotting an NBI agent, though the bureau maintains their personnel were stationed on the GSIS side of the complex.
Remulla expressed grave concern over the breach of protocol and the confrontation between government entities.
”‘Yung papaputukan mo, law enforcement? Ano ‘yun, mas mataas ba siya sa law enforcement?”
The Ombudsman clarified that the suspension is a necessary step to prevent “undue influence” as investigators probe the conduct of the Senate’s security office, the NBI, and the PNP.
”Make it easier for us to get to the bottom of this.”
While Dela Rosa managed to leave the premises before dawn on Thursday, the legal fallout for the Senate’s top security official is just beginning, with Remulla set to consult with senators regarding the unprecedented gunfire within the government facility.