More police deployed at Senate, visitors barred under heightened security

More police personnel were deployed at the Senate Thursday morning amid a reported threat against the upper chamber.

In a report on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Super Radyo dzBB’s Nimfa Ravelo said authorities implemented tighter security measures and barred visitors from entering the premises.

Three trucks carrying cops arrived at the Senate compound around 6 a.m.

As of reporting time, neither Senate officials nor police authorities had issued an explanation for the increased presence of security forces.

No Senate hearings are scheduled for Thursday.

Visitors, including guests of senators, were not allowed to enter the premises.

A scheduled meeting involving the bloc of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and 18 former bodyguards of ex-congressman Zaldy Co was called off.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta said the cancellation was made out of respect for those affected by the strong earthquake in Mindanao.

Tents, tarpaulins, and standees featuring Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, and former president Rodrigo Duterte were removed from the center island and sidewalks along Jose Diokno Boulevard.

Pasay City Environment and Natural Resources Office’s Luisito Pascual said the local government unit ordered the removal.

This is due to heightened security measures around the Senate, the prolonged presence of people in the area for nearly a month, and the arrival of ASEAN foreign visitors at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA News