DOJ probe into Senate shooting is independent of other investigations — spox

The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) probe into the events at the Senate from May 11 to May 13, including the shooting incident, is independent of any other investigation, Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said Wednesday.

“The panel remains open to receiving any evidence that may assist in its investigation,” Martinez said in a message to reporters.

“Its findings, however, will be based on its own independent assessment of the evidence submitted to it and gathered in the course of its investigation,” he added.

He issued the remark when asked how Tindig Pilipinas’ filing of an obstruction of justice complaint against Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Robin Padilla and suspended acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca will affect the DOJ's investigation.

To recall, the shooting incident occurred on the evening of May 13 amid heightened tensions at the Senate, where Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa had sought protective custody following reports of a possible arrest linked to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On May 15, the DOJ requested copies of CCTV footage and other documents from the Senate amid its investigation.

The DOJ has also issued subpoenas to the Office of the Senate Secretary for the production of documents in connection to its investigation, including the oath of office of Aplasca.

Justice Secretary Fredderic Vida said they also requested an inventory of firearms available and owned by the Senate and their corresponding issuance documents.

Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant for “alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator” in the crimes against humanity of murder from July 3, 2016, until the end of April 2018, wherein at least 32 persons died. — RSJ, GMA News