House tightens security following MSU-Marawi bombing

  

MANILA, Philippines — Security measures at the House of Representatives complex have been tightened after the deadly bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City last Sunday.

In a memorandum from House Secretary General Reginald Velasco dated November 5, normal activities, including holiday celebrations of employees, would continue, but security policies would be strictly enforced.

“As a precaution in view of the recent bombing of [MSU] in Marawi last 02 December 2023, the House of Representatives will enforce stringent security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone while inside the HRep premises,” Velasco said in the memorandum.

Some of the policies which will strictly be enforced are the following:

• No ID, No Entry
• Only guests with confirmed appointments, along with vehicles whose details have been submitted, will be allowed inside
• Non-entry of public vehicles like taxis, transport network vehicle service cars, and delivery riders

Suspicious persons or items can be reported to the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms or the Legislative Security Bureau through (02) 8931-5808, (02) 8931-4397, or (02) 8931-5001 local 7356.

Four persons were killed while at least 50 others were wounded after a bomb exploded during a Catholic mass at the MSU Marawi City campus’ gymnasium on Sunday.

Several top government officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, have condemned the incident, with the Chief Executive vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.