MANILA – The supposed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) driver arrested in connection with last week’s shooting incident at the Senate tested positive for gunpowder residue, police said.

Southern Police District (SPD) spokesperson Lt. Margaret Panaga said the result came from a paraffin test conducted by Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).

A paraffin test is used to detect gunpowder residue on a person’s hands, which may indicate recent exposure to or use of a firearm.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Mel Oragon, was arrested after gunshots were heard inside the Senate premises on Wednesday night.

Authorities recovered from Oragon a brown sling bag containing 30 rounds of live 5.56-caliber ammunition, a long magazine loaded with 26 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, and a short magazine with 15 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, Panaga said.

However, Panaga clarified that investigators are still determining whether Oragon actually fired a weapon or was merely exposed to gunpowder residue.

“Sa ngayon, hindi pa tayo makakapagbigay ng conclusive details. Ongoing yung isinasagawang imbestigasyon (For now, we can’t give any conclusive details. The investigation is ongoing),” she said.

“Isa doon yung pagpapaputok mismo, pero hindi iyon indikasyon na itong alleged driver ay nagpaputok (One of the circumstances being looked into is the shooting itself, but it is not an indication that the alleged driver was the one who fired the shot),” she added.

Panaga said Oragon had undergone inquest proceedings and is facing multiple charges, including violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, alarm and scandal, tumults and disturbance of public order, resistance and disobedience to persons in authority, disturbance of proceedings, trespass to property, violation of Senate security rules, and direct assault.

The incident happened days after Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa appeared at the Senate following months of absence amid reports of a possible International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

Dela Rosa was placed under Senate custody but reportedly left the premises hours after the shooting incident.