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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NBI chief: We are under attack, not the Senate

NBI chief: We are under attack, not the Senate

Published May 19, 2026 01:30 pm
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said the agency, not the Senate, is under attack amid the controversy surrounding the recent gunfire incident.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag speaks during the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) 'Balitaan' forum on Tuesday, May 19, at Harbor View Restaurant in Ermita, Manila, (Photo courtesy of Diann Calucin/MANILA BULLETIN)
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag speaks during the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) 'Balitaan' forum on Tuesday, May 19, at Harbor View Restaurant in Ermita, Manila, (Photo courtesy of Diann Calucin/MANILA BULLETIN)
Speaking during the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) “Balitaan” forum on Tuesday, May 19, held at Harbor View Restaurant in Ermita, Manila, Matibag clarified that the Senate was not the target of any assault.
“The Senate was never under attack,” Matibag said, stressing that claims suggesting otherwise were inaccurate.
Matibag said the NBI has been placed under scrutiny due to allegations surrounding the incident, restating that “it’s the NBI that’s under attack,” not the Senate.
He said confusion arose over reports linking the incident to Senate premises, but explained that the activity was actually connected to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex.
Matibag added that law enforcement presence in the area had a legal basis and was carried out upon request.
“Our presence there is supported by a request. We have legal cover and legal basis to be there,” he said.
The NBI chief said the bureau is now facing scrutiny over the incident, but maintained that proper procedures were followed.
He added that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be clarified as the investigation continues.

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