By I. Inojales | 09:58 AM May 14, 2026
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee R. Marcos has formally urged President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. to temporarily relieve several National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials from their posts following the alleged siege and firing incident inside the Senate premises on May 13, 2026.
In a letter dated May 14, 2026 and addressed to the President, Marcos expressed “serious concern” over reports that NBI agents allegedly fired shots within the Senate compound, an incident she said caused public alarm and raised questions about Senate security and the accountability of law enforcement officers involved.
The senator requested the temporary relief of the following officials pending the outcome of an investigation:
-NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag
-NBI-National Capital Region Chief Atty. Emeterio Dongallo Jr.
-NBI-Organized and Transnational Crime Division Chief Atty. Jerome Bomediano
Marcos said the temporary relief of the officials would help preserve the integrity and credibility of any investigation and prevent any perceived undue influence or impropriety.
“In view of the seriousness of these allegations, and without prejudging the outcome of any investigation, I respectfully urge that the following officials be temporarily relieved from their duties pending the completion of a full, impartial, and independent inquiry,” the letter read.
The senator also cited what she described as inconsistent public statements made by Matibag regarding the incident.
According to Marcos, public concern intensified after the NBI director allegedly claimed that NBI personnel were only at Sequoia Hotel for a fellowship, despite reports and videos purportedly showing agents inside or within the Senate premises.
“These conflicting accounts make it all the more important that the investigation proceed free from any perceived interference,” Marcos said.
The incident inside the Senate earlier triggered a lockdown and heightened security measures after gunshots were reportedly heard within the building.
Authorities have yet to release a full official account of the incident.
