MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has directed Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Robin Padilla, as well as former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, to respond to an obstruction of justice complaint arising from the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate.

In a media report, it said that according to an order issued by the Ombudsman, the respondents were instructed to submit their counter-affidavits and supporting evidence within 15 days from receipt of the directive.

“Acting on the sworn complaint, the above-named respondents are hereby directed to submit their counter-affidavit/s and controverting evidence to the said complaint, copy of which is hereto attached, within a non-extendible period of 15 days from receipt hereof in three legible copies addressed to this Office,” the Ombudsman order read.

“Respondents are likewise required to submit proof of service of their counter-affidavit and controverting evidence to the complainants, who may file a reply-affidavit within a non-extendible period of five days from receipt of the same, with proof of service to the respondents,” it added.

The complaint was filed by Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Francis Aquino Dee and several allied organizations, including Partido Manggagawa, Baigani Feminist Collective, Magdalo Party, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, and Youth Resist.

Dee is the grandson of the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former president Corazon Aquino.

Under the Ombudsman’s procedures, should the complainants choose not to submit a reply-affidavit after receiving the respondents’ answers, the case will be considered submitted for resolution.

The Ombudsman also stated that no further pleadings or documents would be accepted once the complaint is deemed submitted.

“No motion for extension of time, motion to dismiss, motion for bill or particulars, or any other dilatory motions and pleadings shall be entertained,” the Ombudsman added.

The complaint stems from the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate, which occurred while Senator Ronald dela Rosa was under the institution’s protective custody.

Gunshots were heard inside the Senate complex on the evening of May 13 after the building was placed under lockdown. The incident took place a day after operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to serve an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against dela Rosa over alleged crimes against humanity linked to deaths during the anti-drug campaign when he was chief of the Philippine National Police.

Reports stated that Aplasca fired several warning shots at the Senate’s glass windows, causing panic among individuals who remained inside the premises.

At the time, then Senate President Cayetano described the situation as the Senate being “under attack.”

Dela Rosa has not been seen publicly since leaving the Senate premises following the May 13 incident.