Manila: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday ordered increased security measures at the Senate following the discovery of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) approximately 150 meters from the Senate gate. The suspicious package was located near the rear tire of a towing truck just outside the Senate premises in Pasay City, coinciding with the day of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) chief Alfred Corpus reported that the discovery was initially made by towing personnel who opened a small box and found an object containing wires and batteries. Senate police officers conducting patrols inspected the package and informed their superiors, which led to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team being called to the scene.
Corpus revealed that the object contained a battery, clamp, plastic cup, and brown powder, which prompted investigators to treat it as a suspected IED. He mentioned that the package is currently with the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for further analysis to determine if it is indeed an explosive device.
Senate President Gatchalian instructed the OSAA to work closely with the PNP and its EOD unit, which had already secured the area. He expressed gratitude to the personnel for their prompt response and was relieved that no injuries were reported. Gatchalian also called for a thorough and unbiased investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the incident.
As a precaution, Corpus stated that additional security personnel would be deployed around the Senate grounds, with intensified inspections for individuals entering the premises. These heightened security measures will cover both the interior and surrounding areas of the Senate complex and will remain until the investigators release their official findings.
Gatchalian urged the public to stay calm, vigilant, and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
