Dev Flores

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a reminder to its personnel, particularly vloggers or content creators, to exercise caution when posting political content amid the rising tensions regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

According to PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. there are existing regulations that prohibit the police from joining partisan political activity, noting that the personnel must remain professional and impartial.

The articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte have been transmitted to the Senate. The documents were received by Senate Secretary Mark Leandro Mendoza. In line with this, the impeachment process will officially move to the upper chamber.

Following the transmission, gunshots were heard inside the Senate building, which caused tension and fear among media practitioners and the public.

In an interview with House Senior Deputy Minority Leader, Mamamayang Liberal Partylist, and House Prosecution Panel Member Representative Leila De Lima, she stated that the shooting incident shouldn’t affect the impeachment proceedings. 

The congresswoman further emphasized that one of the best solutions to the current situation is that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa must surrender to authorities, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Senator.

“Ang pinaka-solusyon ay i-surrender na talaga si Sen. Bato para maka-focus na ang institusyon doon sa kanyang constitutional duty na mag-convene na as an impeachment court at magsagawa na ng impeachment trial,” she said

[“The ultimate solution is to surrender Sen. Bato, so the institution may focus on its constitutional duty to convene as an impeachment court and conduct an impeachment trial.”]

De Lima also stated that the presence of Bato may influence or affect the impeachment proceedings. 

“So his continued presence there really would taint the institution, the Senate as an institution, and if he participates, lalo na sa impeachment process na mayroong nagpaparticipate na isang fugitive,” she said

[“So his continued presence there really would taint the institution, the Senate as an institution, and if he participates, especially in the impeachment process where there is one fugitive participating.”]

Following the shooting incident in the Senate building last Wednesday night, May 13, 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is currently conducting an investigation.

The Pasay PNP, together with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, is in charge of the investigation into the incident, while the Anti-Cybercrime Group handles the CCTV footage reserves. 

According to PNP-PIO Chief PBGen. Randulf Tuaño, three institutional units provide security inside the Senate building - the Office of the Sergeant at Arms (OSAA), Police Security and Protection Group (PSGP), and the Marines; they undergo a paraffin test.

“Pag makaraan po na makalabas today yung mga paraffin exam na isinagawa, at tsaka yung mga forensic na ginawa po ng FG, makikita po natin, kung kanino pong firearms yung magmamatch,” he said

The trajectory of the bullet shots is also included in the investigation.

“Initially, kausap po natin yung mga taga-SOCO, nagtataka po sila sapagkat yung mga trajectory na nakikita niyo po sa larawan ay masyado pong mataas o pataas po siya,” according to PBGen. Tuaño

Also, a magazine and a M-16 rifle were recovered from the alleged NBI volunteer involved in the incident. An individual was arrested and will face different violations, including Illegal Possession of Ammunition, Alarms and Scandal, and others, according to PBGen. Tuaño.

This is a developing story

With reports from Lea Ylagan

The House Prosecution team is ongoing with their preparations for the upcoming impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte; that was confirmed by the three members - Representatives Leila De Lima, Chel Diokno, and Joel Chua.

The prosecution panel members will be divided based on the four articles of impeachment submitted to the upper chamber.

“Per article mayroong assigned team. We’re starting na nga and si for us, ‘yong mga team meetings, focused preparation, focused sa discussion on the articles,” according to Rep. Leila De Lima

According to the prosecution members, they meet almost every day, for the preparation, except on weekends.

The convening of the Senate impeachment court will begin on May 18, 2026; Bicol-Saro Partylist and House prosecution panel member Rep. Terry Ridon confirmed that the panel will attend on the mentioned date. 

“The House prosecution panel will attend the convening of the Senate impeachment court on Monday, May 18.

With reports from Rosalie Coz

The Department of Information and Technology (DICT) monitors cyberspace following the shooting incident in the Senate last night, May 13, 2026.

The instensified monitoring of the agency is accompanied by the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC).

According to DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, certain consequences will be imposed on those spreading fake news and misinformation, which may create additional tension following the incident.

The Secretary also mentioned that there is no room for spreading fake news and unverified information amidst tension.

"Sa panahon ng tensyon at pangamba, walang puwang ang pagpapakalat ng mga fake news at mga hindi beripikadong impormasyon, mga edited videos at mga mapanlinlang na mga post na magdadagdag ng kalituhan at takot sa publiko. Gaya ng sabi ng ating Pangulo, kalma lang po tayo,” he said

[“In times of tension and fear, there is no room for spreading fake news and unverified information, edited videos, and misleading posts that will only add confusion and fear to the public. As our President said, let us just all stay calm.”]