The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified the presence of their personnel inside the Senate building during a tense incident involving a reported exchange of gunfire on the evening of Wednesday, May 13.
According to the AFP, the Marines seen inside the Senate were part of its deployment for security coverage of vital government installations, RH Edniel Parrosa said in a report at Dos Por Dos.
“The AFP maintains an institutional security detail at vital government installations, facilities, and landmarks,” the AFP said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“The military personnel seen inside the Senate building are Marine Security & Escort Group (MSEG) personnel detailed at the said institution for perimeter security,” the AFP said.
The AFP further explained that the personnel inside the building were called upon by the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) to assist in securing the compound during the heightened security situation.
“The soldiers seen inside the building were called by the OSAA to assist them in securing the facility,” it said.
Footage and reports showed Marines inside the Senate premises carrying long firearms as security operations were carried out.
The PNP likewise clarified that the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) present at the Senate is part of an established security contingent tasked to support concerned authorities during heightened alert conditions, including at the upper chamber of Congress.
The AFP and PNP issued the statements following assurances from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that no government troops, whether police or military, initiated the disturbance at the Senate.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano also confirmed that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was among the first officials to contact him and check on the situation during the incident.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla also proceeded to the area as part of the government’s response.
Meanwhile, the PNP announced that it has raised its full alert status nationwide while investigations into the incident continue.
Authorities said that around 1,500 personnel remain deployed and monitoring the Senate area as inquiries proceed to determine the full circumstances surrounding the reported shooting incident.
