PNP EOD-K9 unit sweeps Senate session hall

The Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 (PNP EOD-K9) unit conducted a security sweep of the Senate session hall on Thursday morning.

According to GMA News’ Ian Cruz, the inspection occurred as the camp of recently ousted Senate president Alan Peter Cayetano announced that the Blue Ribbon committee would proceed with its hearing on Thursday.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla was also seen entering the Senate.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected acting Senate President on Wednesday.

Newly installed Blue Ribbon committee chairperson Senator Erwin Tulfo said that the Thursday hearing on the flood control mess is postponed until further notice.

The Blue Ribbon under Alan Peter’s leadership was chaired by his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano.

“Tuloy ang hearing ng Blue Ribbon committee. I am still the legitimate, legal, and moral Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines, and there are still functioning committees,” Alan Peter said.

(The Blue Ribbon Committee hearing will proceed. I am still the legitimate, legal, and moral Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines, and there are still functioning committees.)

“We have to hear the testimonies. Invited po pati 'yung mga gumawa ng ilegal ngayon,” he added.

(We have to hear the testimonies. Even those who committed illegal acts today are invited.)

The PNP on Wednesday said more cops will be deployed at the Senate and nearby government facilities amid continued political tensions.

In a new statement on Thursday, the PNP clarified that its beefed-up security deployment is strictly confined to the outer perimeter of the Senate complex to maintain public order amid calls for a vigil.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the move is purely preventive and aimed at managing public assembly outside the Senate grounds.

“Our deployment is strictly a proactive, external security measure meant to manage public assembly and ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.

“The PNP will remain outside the complex to monitor protesters and maintain public order, as we fully respect the administrative autonomy and internal protocols of the Senate's own security force,” he added.

Following the change of leadership in the Senate, Nartatez urged restraint from all sides. Maximum tolerance will be observed during the vigil.

Ground units are currently establishing designated areas for protesters and vigil participants to ensure orderly movement and prevent any traffic or security disruptions.

“While we acknowledge certain calls for a peaceful vigil, we strongly urge all groups—whether supporters or critics—to maintain sobriety, to exercise maximum restraint, and to respect our laws,” Nartatez said.

“We appeal to the public not to let simmering political tensions escalate into civil disorder. Our police forces are on the ground not to suppress your voices but to guarantee that peace and public safety prevail for the duration of these assemblies,” he added.—AOL, GMA News