The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has no plans to lift the heightened alert status outside the Senate amid a series of protest actions and reported security concerns surrounding the institution.
According to a Dos Por Dos report by RH Jecelle Ricafort on Monday, NCRPO Director Major General Anthony Aberin told DZRH News that the heightened alert will remain in effect as long as public emotions continue to run high.
Aberin said NCRPO personnel remain on alert to ensure peace and order in the area and to maintain public safety.
Despite the absence of rally permits, authorities have allowed protesters to voice their concerns and stage demonstrations outside the Senate, as long as the activities remain orderly and peaceful.
Aberin said more than 300 police officers are regularly deployed outside the Senate complex. He added the number of personnel is increased whenever large groups of protesters gather in the area.
As Senate operations resume, strict security measures continue to be implemented at entry points to the Senate premises.
Authorities are still conducting vehicle inspections using underneath inspection mirrors. While, visitors are also required to present identification cards and state the purpose of their visit before being allowed entry.
The NCRPO said it has not monitored any security threats outside the Senate so far, but authorities continue to validate reports and conduct regular monitoring as part of ongoing security measures.
Meanwhile, the Senate Electronic Data Processing and Management Information System Bureau (EDP-MIS) confirmed last week that its official website was subjected to an unauthorized modification, commonly known as a “website defacement.“
Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian disclosed last week that the Senate had received information about potential security threats based on an intelligence report from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The NBI is now investigating intelligence reports concerning alleged security threats at the Senate, with officials saying the matter may be connected to possible destabilization efforts against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
