Intel reports cite threats to Senate, says Gatchalian

MANILA, Philippines — Alleged threats to the Senate have prompted the new majority to tighten security measures within the premises of the chamber, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian.

Aside from implementing vehicle inspections, security perimeter barriers were also set up just outside the gate of the Senate building, which has become a common site for rallies.

Gatchalian explained the situation, citing the supposed threats against the Senate based on intelligence reports that they have been receiving.

“We also receive information, including from the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), that there are threats that something could happen in the Senate. That is why we are also coordinating with intelligence agencies, especially the NBI, so that our information and intelligence gathering will continue,”  he said over dzRH on Tuesday.

READ: Gunshots heard at Senate where Dela Rosa is holed up; gov’t forces deny role

“I just cannot disclose it, but there is intelligence information that has been passed to us and to the senators by the NBI that there are threats that something could happen in the Senate.”

“We also need to adjust our security efforts. Security must really be tightened, and we need to further adjust security protocols because we do not want anything to happen again to our employees and to the senators,” Gatchalian added.

A burst of gunfire erupted on May 13 between the Senate security and NBI agents while the chamber was providing protective custody to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court.

After months of absence, dela Rosa resurfaced in the Senate on May 11 to provide the crucial vote for Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who took over the Senate presidency from Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

But dela Rosa disappeared again hours after the shooting incident in the Senate.

Gatchalian declined to say whether the heightened security measures in the Senate had something to do with the reported plan to attack Malacanang on June 12.

READ: Public warned vs ‘forces of darkness’ over alleged June 12 attack plan

“I don’t want to disclose it to the public for now, but these are the pieces of information being passed to us — intelligence information given to us so that we can also prepare,” he said in the same radio interview.

“HWe cannot be complacent. If there is such intelligence information, it should be taken seriously. All threats should be taken seriously. That is why we are also making adjustments. The Sergeant-at-Arms is also issuing and adjusting the security protocols inside as well,” the senator added. /das