The Senate has heightened its security protocols following intelligence reports warning of potential threats within its compound, Acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian confirmed on Tuesday.
Gatchalian disclosed that the alert originated from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The warning prompted immediate coordination with Senate security officials to bolster protective measures for lawmakers, employees, and visitors alike.
“Ayon sa NBI, may mga intelligence na ipinasa sa atin na may mga banta na maaaring mangyari sa Senado,” Gatchalian said in a radio interview.
In response to the advisory, the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms has been ordered to intensify surveillance operations and implement stricter access controls regarding entry and movement throughout the building.
“Importante rin ang kaayusan ng aming tanggapan. Hindi lang natin pinoprotekahan isa o dalawang senador, 24 na senador ang pinaprotektahan natin at halos 2,000 kawani,” Gatchalian explained.
The lawmaker emphasized that communication lines with intelligence agencies, particularly the NBI, remain fully open as authorities work to verify the credibility and scope of the reported risks.
“Hindi tayo pwedeng maging kampante dahil kung may intelligence information dapat seryosohin. At lahat ng banta dapat seryosohin kaya nag-aadjust rin kami,” he added.
Gatchalian stopped short of confirming whether this latest security advisory is connected to previous intelligence briefings, which had warned of potential unrest surrounding the Senate complex ahead of Independence Day.