Philippine Senate shooting suspect tests positive for gunpowder residue

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) volunteer driver identified as Mel Oragon, 40, was arrested after gunshots were heard at the Philippine Senate on 13 May. Police recovered ammunition—including 30 rounds of 5.56‑caliber and a 15‑round 9 mm magazine—in a bag he was carrying, though no firearm was found. Oragon was later found to have gunpowder nitrate residues in a paraffin test, but investigators said the result does not conclusively prove he fired a weapon.

Oragon has denied ever handling a gun, citing video footage that he says shows he was only standing by and later retrieving a bag left at the GSIS complex. He also said he was surprised to be linked to the ammunition because he never touched the bag. The Senate Acting Sergeant‑at‑Arms, Mao Aplasca, has been placed on six‑month preventive suspension for alleged failure to maintain order and for reportedly firing warning shots. Other senators, including Robin Padilla, Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, and Jinggoy Estrada, are also under investigation for possible involvement in the incident.