Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian condemned the discovery of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) near the Senate premises in Pasay City, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident that occurred on the day of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Gatchalian said the incident was an apparent attempt to create fear but stressed that it would not disrupt the Senate’s duties for the Filipino people.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this apparent attempt to sow fear near the Senate on the very day our institutions gather for the State of the Nation Address. No such act of intimidation will distract the Senate from its work for the Filipino people,” Gatchalian said.

He added that he directed the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, which immediately responded to the area.

“I am calling on the PNP and all concerned authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into this incident—to determine who is responsible and what they intended to achieve,” he said.

The Senate chief also assured that no one was hurt during the incident and urged the public to remain calm and vigilant while authorities continue their investigation.

Security measures around the Senate complex were tightened as authorities conduct further assessment and gather evidence regarding the suspected explosive device.