Suspect in May 13 Senate shooting identified

The suspect in the shooting incident at the Senate building on the night of Wednesday, May 13 has been named.

As reported by The Philippine STAR on Thursday, May 14, the Southern Police District identified the suspect as 44-year-old Mel Oragon.

Chief of the Philippine National Police Public Information Office PBGen. Randulf Tuaño, in a press briefing, said that Oragon was found in possession of live ammunition, including an M16 and magazines.

Oragon is a driver working for the National Bureau of Investigation, per authorities. However, Tuaño said that they are still verifying whether the suspect is affiliated with the agency, as they did not find any government-issued ID on him.

The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

Oragon was arrested on the second floor of the Senate building, where shots were fired.

Tuaño said Oragon is currently under inquest and faces at least five charges, including violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, alarm and scandal, grave threats, direct assault, and violation of the Senate's security regulations.

At least five shots were heard inside the legislative building last night, as agents of the NBI and PNP were seen in the premises. During that time, several senators were still inside, including Dela Rosa.

"We are under attack," Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, an ally of Dela Rosa, said in a livestream on Facebook. 

No casualties were reported.

Earlier in the day, Dela Rosa shared he received information he would be arrested after the day's session. 

The Senate has been on lockdown since May 11 after NBI agents arrived to serve an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Dela Rosa for alleged crimes against humanity. Cayetano placed Dela Rosa, who showed up at the Senate that day after being absent for six months, under Senate protective custody. 

The senator served as the PNP chief during former president Rodrigo Duterte's term, allegedly helping him carry out the so-called drug war, for which Duterte is awaiting trial at The Hague. Duterte is charged with three counts of murder as crimes against humanity. Dela Rosa has been identified as one of Duterte's co-perpetrators and is now on the ICC wanted list.