House of Representatives on heightened security, says official

The House of Representatives is now under heightened security after several legislators reportedly received threats.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco told reporters in an ambush interview that he will issue a memo to strictly enforce heightened security on Monday, but the House Sergeant at Arms, on its own, already implemented such last Friday.

“There have been threats being received by members. Members of Congress, by employees, by staff, from groups,” Velasco said.

“The security has been tightened. So we just want to protect the members of the House of Representatives and staff and employees of the House from any untoward incidents,” he added.

When asked for specifics on the alleged threats received, Velasco said he cannot name the specific members of the House but that they received these threats in January.

“Basta sinasabi lang na baka bombahin itong House of Representatives [They say that the House of Representatives might be bombed],” the secretary general revealed.

Velasco said the security measures they are now implementing are the same measures they put in place for the State of the Nation Address of the President.

Velasco, however, said Speaker Martin Romualdez is not one of those who were reportedly threatened.

The House is now extra strict with motorcycle riders as guards have reported suspicious riders allegedly casing the perimeter.

“Ni-report sa akin ng security [I received a report from our security]. There were some motorcycles going around the premises. Kaya pinagbawal na naman yung [That's why we have prohibited again] motorcycles being parked in front of any buildings. So we have designated a special parking area for motorcycles. And then for those deliveries, we have instructed our security that delivery men should stay at the gate. And then the goods or supplies will just be picked up by the representatives of the members or employees. Dati kasi we allowed them to come in [Before we allow them to come in],” Velasco explained.

He added that roving security personnel will be going around the premises 24-7. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News