MANILA—Palace Press Officer Claire Castro led a high-level briefing on May 19, alongside top security officials to deliver crucial updates on last week's alarming Senate gunfire incident. 

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla firmly dispelled rumors of a targeted strike, declaring that "the only conclusion is there was no attack to the Senate." 

Remulla clarified that the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) intentionally tapped the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to secure the interior premises, ensuring a tight layer of defense while the Philippine National Police (PNP) actively guarded the building's exterior.

“PNP was already guarding the front of the building. In this case, [GSIS] thought it would be more prudent that NBI to secure the area... There’s no distinction there. We’re both law enforcement officials. But the PNP was outside the building already," SILG Remulla said. 

The investigation now shifts into high gear as the PNP prepares to officially hand over its comprehensive incident report to the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed the report will go directly to a specialized panel for rigorous evaluation, emphasizing that investigators are meticulously examining the sequence of events. 

"Similar route, it will go to the panel, and it will all be evaluated. Compelling ang facts and we still have to verify and validate. We will check on the timelines. We will check on the source of the video. Kasi ang dulo, katotohanan lang," Secretary Vida stated, stressing that the DOJ will scrutinize timelines and trace the exact origin of the video footage leaked online.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and fellow cabinet members reassured the public that inter-agency coordination between the police and the NBI remains seamless despite the initial confusion over jurisdictional roles. 

Secretary Vida reiterated that the administration’s absolute priority is an airtight, factual resolution to the scare that disrupted the legislative body.