MANILA — The Senate has ordered heightened security measures after intelligence information from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) indicated possible threats against the institution, prompting authorities to strengthen protection for lawmakers, employees, and visitors.
Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian said Tuesday that Senate officials are working closely with the NBI and other intelligence agencies to assess the reported threats and ensure the continued safety and operation of the legislative chamber.
Speaking over DZRH, Gatchalian stressed that security preparations extend beyond protecting individual senators and cover the entire Senate community.
“Ang importante ngayon ay kaayusan at proteksyon ng Senate premises. Importante rin yung kaayusan at proteksyon ng mga empleyado. Hindi lang natin pinoprotektahan isa o dalawang senador. Dalawampu’t apat na senador po ang pinoprotektahan natin at halos dalawang libong kawani,” he said.
Gatchalian said the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms has been instructed to review and reinforce existing security protocols based on information provided by law enforcement agencies.
According to the senator, intelligence reports received from the NBI prompted the Senate to immediately adjust its security posture.
“Ayon sa NBI intelligence merong banta na pwedeng mangyari sa Senado at kailangan po kami mag-adjust ng security efforts,” he said.
While declining to disclose specific details about the threats, Gatchalian emphasized that all intelligence information must be treated with utmost seriousness to prevent any incident that could endanger senators, Senate personnel, resource persons, or the public.
“Hindi tayo pwede maging kampante. Dahil kung may mga ganyang intelligence information, dapat ho seryosohin. At lahat ng banta ay dapat ho seryosohin,” Gatchalian said.
The heightened security measures come amid a politically charged period in the Senate marked by leadership disputes, preparations for the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, and competing committee investigations, including inquiries into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Despite the tense political environment, Gatchalian underscored the need for the Senate to continue performing its constitutional duties without disruption.
“The Senate must continue to function,” he said, adding that senators and Senate employees must be able to work in a safe and secure environment.
Authorities have yet to disclose the nature or source of the reported threats as security measures around the Senate complex continue to be strengthened./PN
