The wait for official accountability following the shocking Senate gunfight is over. On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the highly anticipated Mao Aplasca Ombudsman decision was publicly announced, confirming the absolute dismissal of the former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms from government service. If you have been following the dramatic political standoff that rocked the Philippine Senate building back in May, this ruling marks a major turning point in the ongoing investigation.
Here is a complete breakdown of the Ombudsman’s ruling, the events that led to the dismissal, and what this means for the ongoing investigation.
Read Also- Philippine Passport Power: New Global Rankings and Visa-Free Destinations for Filipino Travelers
What the Mao Aplasca Ombudsman Decision Means
During a radio interview on DZRH, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that he officially signed the dismissal order on Monday, June 29. The ruling completely strips Aplasca of his roles as the acting Sergeant-at-Arms for both the Senate and the Commission on Appointments.
While the full, detailed decision is slated for release to the media later this week, it is clear that the dismissal stems directly from his actions during the chaotic May 13 shooting incident at the Senate complex. Prior to this absolute dismissal, Aplasca had been serving a six-month preventive suspension without pay.
The May 13 Senate Gunfight: A Quick Recap
To understand the weight of the Ombudsman’s decision, it is essential to revisit the unprecedented events of May 13, 2026:
- The Arrest Warrant: The controversy erupted when agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) entered the Senate complex to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant on Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for crimes against humanity.
- The First Shot: Aplasca, wearing full tactical gear, admitted to firing the first “warning shot” at the NBI agents. This aggressive action triggered a massive exchange of gunfire—totaling 27 shots—and forced a complete lockdown of the Senate building.
- False Information: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) later discovered that Aplasca had issued a “lock-and-load” directive after allegedly receiving false information that the Senate was under an active attack.
- The Escape: Amidst the panic and gunfire, Senator dela Rosa managed to escape the Senate premises and currently remains at large.
Read Also- BPI Free InstaPay Transfers: Everything You Need to Know About the July 2026 Update
What Happens Next for Aplasca?
The absolute dismissal from government service might just be the beginning of Aplasca’s legal troubles. The CIDG has formally recommended filing criminal charges against him and two other Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) personnel before the Department of Justice. Police investigators noted that the security personnel completely failed to follow standard rules of engagement, stating that the use of firearms and warning shots was entirely unjustified given the absence of an imminent threat.
Meanwhile, the Senate has already moved forward with securing the chamber, permanently replacing Aplasca with retired Police Major General Alfredo Sotto Corpuz on June 3.
Read Also- Bat Rabies Death: Canadian Boy Dies After Waking Up to Bat on His Face
