Senator Robin Padilla defended suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca following the May 13 shooting incident inside the Senate, saying the officer helped prevent a possible tragedy during the standoff.
In a social media post, Padilla said he believes Aplasca’s actions helped de-escalate tensions during the chaotic confrontation involving Senate security personnel and National Bureau of Investigation agents.
“Isa lang ang batid ko na katotohanan. Ang taong ito ang nagsagip sa mga buhay ng nasa loob at labas ng Senado,” Padilla said.
[Translation: There is only one truth that I know. This person saved the lives of those inside and outside the Senate.]
Padilla said the warning shots fired by Aplasca and NBI personnel eventually helped both sides realize they were dealing with “friendly forces.”
“Ang warning shot niya at warning shot ng NBI ang nagpakalma ng sitwasyon at nagpatunay na friendly forces sila pareho at nagkulang sa tamang koordinasyon at komunikasyon ang kanilang mga pinuno,” he said.
[Translation: His warning shot and the warning shot from the NBI calmed the situation and proved they were both friendly forces whose leaders lacked proper coordination and communication.]
The senator also said both camps avoided escalating the confrontation despite heightened tensions.
“Hindi pinairal ng 2 panig ang combat high kaya’t nauwi sa mapayapang pagtatapos ng kagulohan,” Padilla added.
[Translation: Both sides did not allow combat high to take over, which led to a peaceful end to the chaos.]
Padilla further blamed what he described as “foreigners” for the confusion surrounding the incident.
“Alhamdulillah walang nasakripisyo na buhay sa kalitohan na ito dulot ng mga dayuhan,” he said.
[Translation: Praise be to God, no lives were sacrificed in this confusion caused by foreigners.]
The May 13 incident unfolded inside the Senate complex while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was under Senate protective custody amid an International Criminal Court arrest warrant linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The Philippine National Police has since recommended the filing of charges against Aplasca and two other Senate security personnel over possible violations of rules of engagement and the Private Security Services Industry Act.
