SENATE SECURITY CHIEF UNDER FIRE AFTER DE LIMA’S ‘TRIGGER-HAPPY’ REMARK

Leila de Lima called for the resignation or removal of acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca after he allegedly fired warning shots inside the Senate building during a tense standoff involving Ronald dela Rosa.

De Lima described Aplasca as “trigger-happy” and said he endangered civilians, stressing that warning shots are prohibited under rules of engagement.

The Ombudsman has placed Aplasca under preventive suspension without pay while authorities investigate the incident, which raised concerns over firearm use and security protocols inside the Senate.

The confrontation occurred amid efforts by law enforcement authorities to serve an International Criminal Court-related warrant against Dela Rosa over alleged killings linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Alan Peter Cayetano described the incident as “unprecedented,” saying the Senate was “under attack,” while reports said the gunfire traumatized Senate employees and members of the media.

Source: PhilNews24 | May 17, 2026