Former Senate President Criticizes Suspended Sergeant-at-Arms Over Shooting Incident
Drilon says Aplasca ‘exposed Senate to danger’

Image: Inquirer
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon criticized suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca for his role in a recent shooting incident at the Senate in Manila, Philippines. Drilon claims Aplasca exposed the chamber to danger by firing a shot during a confrontation with a National Bureau of Investigation agent, leading to his suspension.
- 01Franklin Drilon stated that Aplasca was the first to fire a shot during the incident.
- 02The shooting occurred amid rising tensions related to the potential arrest of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa.
- 03Aplasca has been suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman following the shooting.
- 04Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla presented security footage showing Aplasca's actions during the incident.
- 05Aplasca claims he only fired a single 'warning shot' and disputes the footage's authenticity.
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In an interview on dzMM, former Senate President Franklin Drilon condemned suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca for his actions during a shooting incident in the Senate, which took place on May 13, 2026. Drilon asserted that Aplasca was responsible for endangering the lives of Senate employees by being the first to fire a shot at a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent. This confrontation arose amid tensions surrounding rumors of the impending arrest of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa. Aplasca reportedly confronted the NBI agent before firing three shots, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who presented security footage of the event. Following the incident, Aplasca was suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman. He has since claimed that he only discharged one 'warning shot' and alleged that the footage shown was manipulated. Aplasca has yet to respond to requests for further comment.
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The incident raises concerns about security protocols in the Senate and could lead to changes in how security is managed.
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