Remulla orders dismissal of Aplasca over May 13 senate standoff
OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Saturday that he has ordered the dismissal of former interim Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca.
“Last Monday, I signed the dismissal order of Aplasca from the service,” Remulla said in a radio interview, adding he will release the details of the decision in the coming days.
Aplasca was earlier suspended by the Ombudsman over his actions during the May 13 Senate incident.
On May 13, the Philippine Senate became the center of a tense standoff as Sen. Ronald dela Rosa remained inside the Senate complex while authorities sought to enforce an arrest warrant linked to an investigation by the International Criminal Court.
The situation escalated when gunshots were heard inside the Senate compound, triggering a lockdown and raising fears of violence.
Aplasca reportedly fired a warning shot toward National Bureau of Investigation operatives during the standoff.
“You are inside the building, and you’re firing at law enforcement? It’s so ironic that you’re firing a warning shot at law enforcement. What is he — is he higher than law enforcement? He is supposed to help the Senate maintain its rules, but if you’re going to fire at law enforcement, that’s a different story altogether,” Remulla said.
Remulla added he believes Aplasca was liable for obstruction of justice, failure to maintain public order and safety within the Senate premises, gross neglect of duty, and aiding or abetting a criminal or a fugitive from justice.
Remulla said that Aplasca’s job is to secure the Senate and make sure that the rules are followed.
“To fire a warning shot at law enforcement, he thinks he is above the law,” Remulla said.