President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday denied that any state security forces were involved in the reported shooting incident inside the Senate complex and dismissed claims that government agencies had been ordered to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
In a recorded statement, Marcos said he personally monitored the situation for more than two hours and coordinated directly with law enforcement agencies following the incident.
The President said he immediately contacted officials of the Philippine National Police and later spoke with Melvin Matibag to verify reports that armed personnel had entered the Senate premises.
“Tinawagan ko ang NBI at tinanong ko si Director Matibag, ‘Kayo ba pumasok sa Senado?’ Ang sabi sa akin, ‘Wala kaming instruction, sir,’” Marcos said.
He clarified that the uniformed personnel seen inside the Senate complex were regular security and police personnel assigned to the Senate, including members of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
“Walang pumasok na taga-labas na sundalo, militar, o NBI sa Senado,” he added.
Marcos also disclosed that personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation who had been near the Supreme Court of the Philippines area earlier in the day were instructed to leave before the situation escalated.
The President assured the public that the government was not behind the disturbance and urged calm as authorities continue parallel investigations into the incident.
The Palace statement came amid heightened tensions over reports of an alleged International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Dela Rosa in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Earlier, the Senate became the center of political controversy following discussions on placing Dela Rosa under Senate protective custody, triggering debates on congressional authority and the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have yet to release full details regarding the reported shooting incident, including possible injuries.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines clarified that Marine troopers deployed at the Senate were present solely to assist in security operations.
“The AFP maintains an institutional security detail at vital government installations, facilities, and landmarks. The military personnel seen inside the Senate building are Marine Security & Escort Group personnel detailed at the institution for perimeter security,” the AFP said.
It added that soldiers seen inside the building were called by the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to help secure the facility.
