Screengrab from BBM

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the public to remain calm following a reported shooting incident inside the Senate of the Philippines on Wednesday evening, as authorities continue to verify the circumstances surrounding the event.

Marcos said he had been monitoring the situation for about two and a half hours and immediately coordinated with key security officials after being informed of the incident.

He first contacted DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to verify whether police units had acted on any instruction related to the situation.

He also coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation, where Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that no deployment of agents had been ordered to enter the Senate.

The President clarified that uniformed personnel inside the Senate are composed of Philippine National Police officers assigned for security and crowd control, as well as Philippine Marine personnel tasked with Senate security support and ceremonial duties.

Marcos denied circulating claims that there were instructions to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

He added that following a Supreme Court-related development earlier in the day, any previously mentioned NBI presence had already been withdrawn in compliance with instructions.

Marcos said he coordinated with Senate leadership, and both sides agreed on the need to calm the public while a full investigation is conducted.

Authorities are now determining whether the incident was a misunderstanding, a security breach, or a deliberate disruption. The Senate and the Philippine National Police are expected to conduct parallel investigations, with evidence currently being gathered.

The President also dismissed claims of any foreign or unauthorized military presence inside the Senate, saying investigators are still identifying who attempted to enter the premises and what triggered the reported gunfire.

He assured the public that the government is not behind the incident and urged restraint as investigations continue.