The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has recommended the filing of charges against suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca and two of his personnel over a shooting incident that caused chaos inside the Senate last week.
At a press briefing in Camp Crame, CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said Aplasca and the two Senate security personnel had no legal basis to discharge their firearms under Republic Act No. 11917 or the Private Security Services Industry Act.
When asked directly, Morico confirmed that the CIDG is recommending charges against Aplasca and his two personnel under the said law.
However, he clarified that the agency will forward its findings to the Department of Justice, which will make the final determination on the filing of charges.
“We will be transmitting our findings to the DOJ. It is up to the DOJ to assess,” Morico said.
The recommendation stems from a May 13 incident in which Aplasca and his personnel allegedly fired shots after confronting two National Bureau of Investigation agents who were deployed to the Government Service Insurance System premises outside the Senate, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. during a Palace briefing.
Aplasca has yet to issue a public response to requests for comment.
