Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed Saturday, July 4, that former Senate Sergeant‑at‑Arms Mao Aplasca has been dismissed from service following his role in the May 13 gunfire incident inside the Senate.
Remulla said he signed the dismissal order on June 29 against Aplasca, who also held the post at the Commission on Appointments.
“Acting Sergeant‑at‑Arms in the Senate and Sergeant‑at‑Arms of the Commission on Appointments, we have dismissed from service,” he told DZRH radio program “Executive Session”, adding the decision will be released publicly this week.
Aplasca had earlier been suspended for six months while investigators probed the Senate shooting, where he reportedly fired the first warning shot that triggered an exchange of gunfire.
The confrontation occurred as Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was taken into preventive custody amid reports of an attempt to serve an International Criminal Court warrant.
Remulla said the dismissal order would be made public “because it is difficult to explain,” but did not disclose further details. # (ZIA LUNA)
