The Manila Times

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Security up at Senate amid June 12 threats

(UPDATE) THE Senate has heightened security measures and shifted some operations to work-from-home arrangements following intelligence reports indicating possible security threats linked to activities expected during Independence Day commemorations on June 12, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian said on Wednesday. In a Zoom interview, Gatchalian said Senate officials are treating all security threats seriously as authorities continue to validate intelligence information received by the institution. “We take all threats seriously,” he said, noting that intelligence reports had indicated planned rallies on June 12 and possible attempts to disrupt activities at the Senate. The senator said the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) was directed to coordinate with multiple intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Gatchalian said NICA has been tasked with consolidating intelligence information gathered from various agencies as part of efforts to assess the credibility of the reported threats. “Our priority is the safety of Senate employees, members of the institution and the senators themselves,” he said. The heightened security measures stemmed from information relayed during previous Senate proceedings. Gatchalian recalled that before a Blue Ribbon Committee consultative meeting, information reached Senate officials suggesting the possibility of disturbances inside the Senate and the potential involvement of armed individuals. He said the matter was immediately raised with fellow senators, including Sen. Erwin Tulfo, and was subsequently reported to NBI Director Melvin Matibag for further evaluation and investigation. Despite the reported threat, Senate officials decided to proceed with the scheduled hearing after receiving assurances from security personnel that adequate measures were in place to secure the Senate complex. After consulting with security officials and members of the Senate Executive Committee, the chamber issued a memorandum implementing heightened security protocols and allowing work-from-home arrangements for some personnel as a precaution. Gatchalian said intelligence information is still being validated and that authorities continue to coordinate with various agencies to determine the nature and source of the reported threat. Asked whether specific individuals had been identified in intelligence reports, Gatchalian declined to disclose names, saying the information still requires verification. “Some personalities were mentioned, but I won’t disclose them until the information has been validated,” he said. The senator also addressed reports involving a group allegedly accompanied by multiple bodyguards, saying information received from the NBI suggested that the matter could be connected to the ongoing security assessment. However, he emphasized that authorities are still verifying all details. “Out of an abundance of caution, we need to take these measures,” Gatchalian said. Senate officials said security protocols will remain in place while law enforcement and intelligence agencies continue their assessment of the reported threats ahead of the June 12 observance. Restricted entry The OSAA on Wednesday refused to let in Senate employees who were not on its list of personnel needed to work inside the building. Vehicles whose passengers are not Senate employees were turned away. However, the Senate security allowed employees of LandBank, who has a branch on the 4th floor, to get in. The OSAA observed stricter measures amid conflicting directives from the Cayetano bloc. Gatchalian, also acting Senate chief, on Tuesday issued an advisory directing all Senate personnel to “work from home” until Thursday amid the security threat. But Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who insisted he was still Senate president, in another advisory reminded employees to work in the Senate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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