The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso reportedly requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to send agents to the GSIS complex on May 13 after receiving information that an attempt would be made to bring Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa out of the Senate through a passageway connecting the Senate and GSIS buildings, according to information obtained.

The source’s revelation may clarify the chaotic events before a shooting incident inside the Senate on Wednesday evening.

Acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca admitted that he was the first to fire during the confrontation, claiming that he only gave a warning shot to the NBI personnel spotted in the secret passageway.

Aplasca also noted that it was unusual for the NBI to operate near the Senate without coordinating with Senate officials, even as their agents were stationed in the adjacent GSIS building.

The Senate is part of the GSIS building in Pasay City, but their offices are separate, except for the internal passageway that connects the two offices.

However, according to a source, Veloso reportedly received a report about suspicious activity near the corridor before the shooting occurred.

“A day before the incident, people were allegedly spotted repeatedly passing through the connecting passageway from the Senate side. They appeared to be checking the area as a possible exit route. Some individuals were even seen leaving the GSIS compound through that corridor, as if testing whether it could be used as an escape passage,” the source said.

In a letter from Veloso on May 13, he requested additional NBI agents due to activities in the Senate-GSIS passageway, but the letter did not mention Dela Rosa’s name.

“In light of the activities currently taking place within the Senate of the Philippines/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) premises, we respectfully request the deployment of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel to assist in maintaining peace, order, and security in the area,” the letter stated.

The source also noted that the presence of NBI agents on Wednesday surprised members of the OSAA.

“OSAA personnel were reportedly surprised to find NBI agents already stationed at the passageway when they opened the door. There were supposedly two NBI agents seated there together with a GSIS ‘blue guard’. The matter was relayed to Aplasca, who then confronted the agents and fired a warning shot,” the source said.

Man in a white suit with red trim and sunglasses speaks into two microphones on a stage.
Man in a white shirt speaks into multiple microphones at a press conference podium.

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex in Pasay City, Philippines, serves as the headquarters of the state pension fund for government employees, established in 1936. The modern complex features a distinctive, dome-shaped building and houses the GSIS Museum, which showcases Philippine art and historical artifacts. It is also known for hosting the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the Philippine president, making it a significant site for both governance and culture.

Senate

The Senate is a key legislative body in many governments, most notably the United States Senate, which was established in 1789 as the upper chamber of Congress. Its origins trace back to the Roman Senate, an advisory council that evolved into a powerful governing institution in ancient Rome. Today, the Senate plays a crucial role in lawmaking, confirming appointments, and ratifying treaties

GSIS complex

The GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) Complex in Pasay City, Philippines, is a large government-owned site known for hosting the GSIS headquarters and the Philippine International Convention Center. Built during the 1970s under the Marcos administration, it has served as a hub for government operations and major events, including the 1996 APEC summit. The complex also features the iconic GSIS Theater and expansive grounds used for public gatherings and national celebrations.

Senate

The Senate is a key legislative body in many governments, most notably the United States Senate, which was established in 1789 as part of the bicameral Congress under the Constitution. It was designed to provide equal representation for each state, with two senators per state, and has played a central role in shaping national laws, treaties, and presidential appointments. Historically, the Senate has been a forum for major political debates and decisions, including the passage of landmark legislation and the impeachment of officials.

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex in Pasay City, Philippines, serves as the headquarters of the state pension fund for government employees. Established in 1936, the GSIS manages the retirement and insurance benefits of public sector workers, and its modern complex reflects the institution’s role in the country’s financial and administrative systems. The site symbolizes the government’s commitment to providing social security and welfare to its employees.

GSIS Museum

The GSIS Museum, located in Pasay City, Philippines, is a cultural institution managed by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). It was established to showcase the agency’s extensive art collection, which includes works by renowned Filipino masters such as Fernando Amorsolo and Juan Luna. The museum also highlights the history and development of the GSIS itself, combining art appreciation with the narrative of public service in the Philippines.

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