Senate threat may be linked to 18 Zaldy Co ex-bodyguards — Sherwin Gatchalian

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday said the alleged security threat at the Senate may be linked to 18 individuals who previously served as bodyguards of former party-list lawmaker Zaldy Co and were earlier tagged in the alleged kickback scheme tied to anomalous flood control projects.

In a virtual interview, Gatchalian said authorities are taking all threats “seriously,” adding that he has directed the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) to coordinate with various intelligence agencies to validate the information.

“Lahat ng banta sineseryoso natin, especially sa ganitong situation. Si Senate Sergeant-at-Arms will be coordinating with intelligence agencies. In the meantime, we have to take this seriously kasi ang priority natin ay safety ng employees, media, members of the Senate and senators,” he said.

(We take all threats seriously, especially in situations like this. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms will coordinate with intelligence agencies. In the meantime, we have to treat this seriously because our priority is the safety of employees, media, members of the Senate and senators.)

The Senate was placed under heightened security starting Tuesday, June 9, after Gatchalian received information on the purported threat from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Remote work was also implemented at the chamber from Wednesday, June 10 to Thursday, June 11, 2026.

According to Gatchalian, NBI Director Melvin Matibag raised the possibility that the security threat could be linked to the 18 alleged former Marines.

“What he said was there’s a possibility na mayroong manggugulo sa Senado, and it’s a possibility na armed group ang manggugulo,” Gatchalian said.

(He said there is a possibility that a group may cause disruption in the Senate, and that it could be an armed group.)

“Ang sabi ng NBI, it might be connected to them,” he added.

(The NBI said it might be connected to the 18 alleged ex-Marines.)

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano earlier questioned the credibility of the reported threat and its source, the NBI.

He also raised concerns over why only certain senators were briefed, as well as the timing of the alert, noting that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, led by Senator Pia Cayetano, was initially scheduled to hold another hearing on the flood control issue on June 11.

Gatchalian said the decision to tighten security and take immediate precautionary measures came swiftly amid developing concerns over a possible threat.

“Napakabilis ng pangyayari. I had to react very quickly, talk to some senators for advice and suggestion. Bilang Acting Senate President, I have to do what I have to do to protect the employees,” he said.

(Everything happened very quickly. I had to react immediately and consult some senators for advice and suggestions. As Acting Senate President, I have to do what I must to protect the employees.)

Gatchalian said all senators, including members of the Cayetano bloc, were duly informed of the security threat through a memorandum he issued on Tuesday.

He also clarified that the Senate is not in lockdown.

On Monday, the Tulfo-led committee held a consultative meeting on the flood control controversy. Invited were the 18 alleged Zaldy Co ex-bodyguards their legal counsel, Atty. Levi Baligod.

The resource persons arrived at the Senate but did not attend the consultative meeting despite repeated invitations from the panel. Instead, they stayed at the office of Senator Robinhood Padilla and later held a hastily called press conference.

Heightened measures

In a separate interview, OSAA chief Alfred Corpus said his office has already coordinated with law enforcement agencies to validate the alleged threat.

Senate security has also implemented various measures, including paneling and security sweeps within the perimeters of the chamber.

“Strictly implemented ’yun until such time na bumaba na ang threat level natin. For now kasi, two days lang ang dineclare, we will assess the situation after tomorrow,” Corpus said.

(The measures will be strictly enforced until the threat level is downgraded. For now, it was declared effective for two days, and we will assess the situation the day after tomorrow.)

“We’re doing everything to secure the Senate premises, including the safety of our senators… We’re doing our best,” he added.—MCG, GMA News