Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian orders heightened security measures after receiving intelligence reports of possible threats directed at the Senate premises, according to Inquirer.net. Gatchalian says the Senate is taking steps such as vehicle inspections and installing security perimeter barriers just outside the Senate building gate, an area that often hosts rallies.
Gatchalian’s statement is echoed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla says the department, which supervises the Philippine National Police, will beef up security for the Senate area. Remulla notes that there is “always a threat,” and responds by indicating security improvements are being implemented in light of the claim.
In a related report, Gatchalian issues a memorandum requiring the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to apply heightened security as part of broader preventive safety protocols. The memo also directs efforts to protect Senate records, legislative documents, information systems, and communications infrastructure, and it includes a temporary no-visitor policy. The reports describe security measures being increased based on information received from authorities including the NBI, without detailing the specific nature of the alleged threats.
