National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag publicly defended Mel Oragon, an NBI volunteer driver, who was arrested following a shooting incident in the Senate on May 13, 2026.
Matibag shared details during an interview at Camp Crame, indicating that video evidence shows Oragon was not armed during the shooting.
Defense Based on Video Evidence
There are videos showing that he (the driver) was on the fifth floor while gunshots were being fired. He was not holding a gun; he was carrying a vest and a radio.
Melvin Matibag, NBI Director
According to Matibag, Oragon was on the fifth floor of the GSIS building when the shooting began. He had attempted to return to retrieve a bag left by a companion when he was arrested.
Matibag suggested that the presence of gunpowder on Oragon could have resulted from him being in close proximity to the gunfire.
This situation is reminiscent of the recent Walkthrough: Senate Shooting Incident Raises Concerns.
Oragon was temporarily released from custody on May 18 after posting bail, but the circumstances surrounding his arrest highlight concerns about protocol during high-pressure situations.