Senate tightens security amid reported threats, intel warnings
The Senate has tightened security measures within its premises following intelligence reports of possible threats against the chamber, acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said on Tuesday.
Among the measures implemented are vehicle inspections and the installation of security perimeter barriers outside the Senate gates, an area that has frequently served as a venue for rallies and public demonstrations.
In an interview over dzRH, Gatchalian said the Senate has been receiving intelligence information from law enforcement agencies, particularly the National Bureau of Investigation, regarding potential security risks.
“We also receive information, including from the NBI, that there are threats that something could happen in the Senate,” Gatchalian said in Filipino. “That is why we are coordinating with intelligence agencies, especially the NBI, so that information and intelligence gathering will continue.”
The senator declined to disclose details of the reported threats but said intelligence reports had been relayed both to Senate officials and lawmakers.
NBI warning
“I cannot disclose it, but the NBI has passed on intelligence information to us and to senators indicating that there are threats that something could happen in the Senate,” he said.
Gatchalian said the reported threats prompted the chamber to review and strengthen its security protocols.
“We need to adjust our security efforts. Security must be tightened because we do not want anything to happen to our employees and senators,” he added.
The heightened security comes weeks after a shooting incident inside the Senate complex on May 13 involving Senate security personnel and NBI agents. The incident occurred amid tensions surrounding Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who was under Senate protective custody while facing a possible arrest linked to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
‘Very serious’ threat
After six months of hiding, Dela Rosa resurfaced at the Senate on May 11 and participated in the vote that installed Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President, replacing Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. He disappeared again hours after the shooting incident.
Asked whether the tightened security was connected to reports of a supposed plot to attack Malacañang on June 12, Gatchalian declined to comment, citing the sensitive nature of the intelligence information.
“We cannot be complacent,” he said. “If there is intelligence information, it should be taken seriously. All threats should be taken seriously.”
Former Senate President Sotto described the reported threat as “very serious,” citing intelligence information he had received.
“The threat is a clear and present danger; therefore, serious considerations must be taken,” Sotto said in a text message to reporters.
Discontent
Sen. Panfilo Lacson likewise said intelligence reports indicated growing frustration within segments of the armed services over a range of national issues, including political tensions, inflation, rising oil prices and the flood control controversy.
“As per information, though still sketchy and raw, the level of frustration within the armed services has reached up to battalion and regional levels,” Lacson said.
However, Lacson clarified that the information he received was separate from the reported security threat against the Senate.
In a separate text message to the Inquirer, Lacson emphasized that the concerned armed services are “not limited to [the] AFP.” But he did not elaborate.
Lacson, who once served as PNP chief, advised the armed services to “be more discerning and not allow themselves to be misled by potential troublemakers.”
“The danger is, if some unscrupulous and power-hungry destabilizers among some aligned political groups would take advantage by fanning the flame of discontent, rightly or wrongly, which could trigger widespread mass movements and protests,” Lacson said.
Palace validating reports
Malacañang said the reported threat is being validated and has been referred to the appropriate authorities.
“To those making such threats, whether you are a senator or an ordinary citizen, you will not escape the reach of the law,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said.
AFP neutrality
Meanwhile, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reiterated the military’s political neutrality amid recent calls by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte for soldiers to remain vigilant over political developments.
“We are not blind. We are not deaf. We know what is happening, but it is not our mandate to meddle with politics,” Brawner said in a chance interview, stressing that the AFP remains committed to its constitutional role and democratic institutions.
“But it is not our mandate to meddle with politics,” he added. —WITH REPORTS FROM DEXTER CABALZA AND GABRYELLE DUMALAG
