By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The supposed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) driver who was arrested in connection with last week’s shooting incident at the Senate tested positive for gunpowder residue, police said Monday.
During a press briefing, Southern Police District (SPD) spokesperson Lt. Margaret Panaga said this was based on the paraffin test conducted by Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).
A paraffin test detects gunpowder residue on a person’s hands, which may indicate recent firearm use.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Mel Oragon, was arrested after several gunshots were heard at the Senate on Wednesday night.
Panaga said authorities recovered from Oragon a brown sling bag containing 30 rounds of live 5.56-caliber ammunition, a long magazine loaded with 26 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, and a short magazine containing 15 rounds of live 9mm ammunition.
She, however, clarified that investigation is still ongoing as to whether or not Oragon really fired a gun or was just exposed to the residue.
“Sa ngayon, hindi pa tayo makakapagbigay ng conclusive details. Ongoing yung isinasagawang imbestigasyon (For now, we can’t give any conclusive details. The investigation is ongoing),” Panaga said.
“Isa doon yung pagpapaputok mismo, pero hindi iyon indikasyon na itong alleged driver ay nagpaputok (One of the circumstances being looked into is the shooting itself, but it is not an indication that the alleged driver was the one who fired the shot),” she added.
Panaga said the suspect had undergone inquest proceedings and is facing charges for violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, as well as alarm and scandal, tumults and disturbance of public order, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, disturbance of proceedings, trespass to property, violation of Senate security rules, and direct assault.
The shooting incident took place days after Senator Ronald Dela Rosa appeared at the Senate after being absent for about six months amid reports of a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He was placed under Senate custody but reportedly left the Senate premises hours after the shooting incident. (PNA)
