Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday said the alleged security threat against the Senate may be connected to the 18 former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co who have been linked to allegations involving anomalous flood control projects.
In a virtual interview, Gatchalian said authorities are treating the threat seriously and have directed the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to coordinate with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to validate the information.
According to Gatchalian, Melvin Matibag informed him that there was a possibility that an armed group could attempt to disrupt activities at the Senate.
He said the NBI also indicated that the alleged threat may be connected to the 18 individuals who previously served as bodyguards of Co.
The Senate was placed under heightened security beginning June 9 after Gatchalian received information regarding the alleged threat from the NBI. A work-from-home arrangement for Senate employees was also implemented on June 10 and 11.
Gatchalian said all senators, including members of the bloc led by Alan Peter Cayetano, were informed of the reported threat through an official memorandum.
Cayetano earlier questioned the credibility of the alleged threat and raised concerns about the timing of the security alert, noting that another hearing related to the flood control controversy had been scheduled for June 11.
The 18 former bodyguards and their lawyer, Levi Baligod, were invited to a consultative meeting of a Senate panel on Monday but did not participate despite repeated invitations. They instead stayed at the office of Sen. Robin Padilla and later held a press conference.
Meanwhile, Senate Sergeant-at-Arms chief Alfred Corpus said security measures, including enhanced inspections and perimeter sweeps, will remain in place while authorities continue to assess the threat.
Corpus emphasized that the Senate is not under lockdown and that security protocols are being enforced to ensure the safety of senators, employees, media personnel, and visitors.
