(UDATE) MANILA, Philippines — The Senate premises have been cleared of the crowd that gathered on Thursday as security measures currently being enforced will remain in effect pending an evaluation amid ongoing security concerns, the Office of the Senate-Sergeant-At-Arms said.
Police Maj. Gen. Alfred Corpus said the decision would be based on the findings and recommendations of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), which were previously tasked to verify and validate reports of possible threats from armed groups that could disrupt Senate operations.
Among the measures implemented were work-from-home arrangements for some Senate employees and restrictions on visitors entering the Senate premises.
Despite the security concerns, Corpus assured the public that the Senate was taking all necessary steps to safeguard lawmakers, employees, and visitors.
“We are doing everything necessary to ensure the security and safety of senators and Senate personnel,” he said.
Meanwhile, local authorities cleared structures erected by some supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte along Diokno Boulevard, a major road leading to the Senate and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex.
Removed during the operation were tents, tarpaulins, standees, chairs, beds, and sound systems that had occupied portions of the center island and sidewalks along the thoroughfare.Police presence outside the Senate premises doubled on Thursday amid the reported serious security threat on the chamber.
The Pasay traffic enforcers also conducted clearing operations as they urged supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa to dismantle their banners.
The Duterte supporters have camped outside the Senate, bringing orange monoblock chairs and standees for Duterte and Dela Rosa.
