Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III condemned what he described as a “barbaric” incident after his vehicle was reportedly blocked and harassed by supporters outside the Senate following a tense political gathering.

A video circulating online showed a group of individuals, allegedly supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, surrounding and obstructing Sotto’s vehicle as it exited the Senate compound. Some individuals were seen throwing water bottles at the car and shouting invectives.

In a social media post, Sotto expressed anger and disappointment over what he called a failure of security forces to control the crowd.

“I am furious and disappointed with the PNP and other security personnel assigned outside the Senate for failing to control the rowdy and unruly crowd, allowing them to assault me while inside my vehicle when I was about to exit the Senate,” Sotto said.

He further described the incident as dangerous and unacceptable, noting that he was alone inside the vehicle at the time.

“The barbaric protesters banged my vehicle repeatedly, threw bottles and cursed foul remarks. They can see that I am driving alone with no bodyguards,” he added.

Sotto also criticized the presence of police personnel deployed in the area, questioning how the situation escalated despite security measures.

“Ilang truck na PNP ang nakadeploy sa Senate, tapos ganito?” he said, expressing frustration over what he perceived as a lapse in crowd control.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident or confirm whether arrests or charges will be filed in connection with the reported harassment.