Senate security threat ‘very serious,’ says Sotto’s intel

MANILA, Philippines — The looming security threat at the Senate is “very serious,” Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said, citing his intelligence.

Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian earlier confirmed in a radio interview that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had warned of a potential security threat at the chamber.

Asked about the level of the threat, Sotto told the media in a text message: “Very serious, according to the intel.”

“The threat is a clear and present danger; therefore, serious considerations must be taken,” he added.

READ: Gatchalian: Power-sharing deal in Senate not possible

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson also commented on the status of the supposed threat, saying that apart from the threat to the Senate, a “level of frustration within the armed services has reached up to battalion and regional levels.”

Citing the NBI, Lacson said in a message to the media: “They are closely monitoring the developments in the ongoing crisis at the national level brought about by numerous factors, both internal and external.” /mcm