De Lima: Remove ‘trigger-happy’ Senate security chief after shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said Friday acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Ma. O Aplasca should resign or be removed after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his six-month preventive suspension over the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate compound.

“That trigger-happy Senate sergeant-at-arms should resign or be removed from his post. He knows, or ought to know, that warning shots are prohibited under the rules of engagement. He put the lives of many civilians in danger,” de Lima said.

READ: Senate shooting: Aplasca admits firing first shot at NBI agents

The Ombudsman placed Aplasca under preventive suspension without pay while authorities investigate the incident, which happened during the tense Senate standoff involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

The shooting raised serious questions over the use of firearms, command responsibility, and security judgment inside a civilian government institution.