Senator Bam Aquino pushes for probe into Senate shooting incident

Senator Bam Aquino has filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the shooting incident that took place within Senate premises on Wednesday, saying the incident raised concerns over security, institutional integrity, public safety, and coordination among government agencies.

Senate Resolution No. 397 calls on the appropriate Senate committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which involved the discharge of firearms inside Senate grounds while armed law enforcement personnel were present.

Aquino emphasized that the Senate, as a key democratic institution, must always uphold its integrity, orderly operations, and constitutional independence.

“Walang lugar ang pagpapaputok ng baril o anumang armadong komprontasyon sa loob ng Senado,” Aquino said.

“Ang mga ganitong insidente ay nakasisira sa tiwala ng publiko at sa integridad ng ating institusyon, nagsisilbing banta sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng mga empleyado, bisita at mga miyembro ng media, at nakakaapekto sa katatagan ng ating demokrasya,” he added.

According to Aquino, a comprehensive investigation is necessary to establish a clear and authoritative account of the incident amid conflicting statements from government officials and agencies regarding the identities, authority, and actions of the armed individuals allegedly involved.

He also said the incident revealed possible weaknesses in existing laws, security measures, and coordination protocols governing the deployment of armed personnel inside government institutions.

“It is imperative for the Senate to review and strengthen institutional safeguards to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents and ensure the continued protection of democratic institutions,” he said.

The resolution further stressed that maintaining peace and security within Senate premises is crucial to ensuring the uninterrupted performance of the chamber’s legislative and constitutional functions.

In an earlier Facebook post, Aquino voiced alarm over the incident and reiterated that violence has no place in the Senate or in a democracy.

“Lubhang nakababahala ang nangyayari sa Senado ngayong gabi. Sa gitna ng mga kaguluhan sa pulitika, nabalot ng dahas ang minamahal nating institusyon. Kahit anupaman ang nangyayaring alitan sa ating bansa, walang puwang ang karahasan sa ating demokrasya," Aquino said.

"Nananawagan tayo sa lahat ng kinauukulan na unahin ang kaligtasan ng mga sibilyan, media at mga kawani ng gobyerno at higit sa lahat, sumunod sa batas," he added.

-Paraluman News