Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that the looming security threat against the Senate from an “armed group” may be connected to 18 former bodyguards of fugitive ex-Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co.
According to Gatchalian, this information was relayed by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag. He stressed that authorities are treating the threat seriously, directing the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) to coordinate with intelligence agencies to verify the report.
“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 in a virtual press briefing with Senate media.
Heightened security measures were enforced at the Senate beginning Tuesday, June 9, after Gatchalian received the NBI’s intelligence report. The chamber implemented work-from-home arrangements for employees from Wednesday, June 10 to Thursday, June 11, 2026.
“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,” Gatchalian added.
He also assured Senate staff that their salaries and benefits would be released on time, noting that he had already signed the checks. (RRN)
