Senate President Win Gatchalian stated Friday that the upper chamber is prepared to bolster security measures for Senator Risa Hontiveros following a surge in online death threats targeted at her in the wake of political vlogger Alicia Lipata’s fatal shooting.
Speaking to journalists, Gatchalian stressed the importance of taking these warnings seriously, adding that the Senate is ready to collaborate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) if extra protection is required.
“Huwag ibalewala (ang death threats) dahil hindi natin alam. At kasama talaga sa trabaho natin,” he said.
“So sabi ko, ready ang Senate mag-provide ng tulong at security kung kakailanganin. Dagdagan ang security niya, we can also link with the PNP para magpadala ng additional security,” he added, noting the chamber can supply personnel and logistical backing upon request.
Gatchalian recalled that both he and Hontiveros previously faced life-threatening warnings during their investigations into illicit Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which led him to seek Senate protection at the time.
Hontiveros had earlier condemned the sudden influx of violent online messages directed at her following the murder of Lipata, a prominent supporter of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.