Suspected IED Found Near Philippine Senate Ahead of SONA, Heightening Tensions

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered outside the Senate building in Pasay City early Monday, hours ahead of the formal opening of the second regular session of the 20th Congress and President Bongbong Marcos' State of the Nation address (SONA). Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Alfred Corpus Jr. said personnel of a towing company initially found the suspected IED on a rear tire of one of their vehicles. It was located around 150 meters away from the Senate. "Initially, nilaro lang nila and when some of our police officers were patrolling the area saw it, they went to see it and report it before our superiors," Corpus told reporters. "Our EOD [Explosive Ordinance Disposal] president responded, and the package is being investigated. It’s with SOCO [Scene of the Crime Operatives] right now to determine if it is an IED," he said. The suspected EID was contained inside a box of biscuits. It also has batteries, a clock, and wires inside. It is now transferred to SOCO for investigation. "I still have to get the official PNP report, but the last time I asked, sabi ng chief of police ng Pasay Police pinadala na sa SOCO to determine if it is an IED," said Corpus. Security, inspection The suspected EID was contained inside a box of biscuits. It also has batteries, a clock, and wires inside. It is now transferred to SOCO for investigation. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian immediately ordered the OSAA to intensify the security operations within and outside the Senate premises. "We will add more security personnel on the ground at mas pag-iigtingin ang inspection ng mga tao na lalabas sa Senado. Not only inside but also outside," Corpus added. Intimidation? In a separate statement, Gatchalian strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an apparent attempt to sow fear near the Senate on the very day our institutions gather for the SONA.” “No such act of intimidation will distract the Senate from its work for the Filipino people,” he said. The Senate chief thanked the PNP for its swift action and the directed the OSAA to coordinate with the police. “I am calling on the PNP and all concerned authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into this incident — to determine who is responsible and what they intended to achieve. The perpetrators must be identified and held accountable under the law,” Gatchalian said. “We appeal to the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities,” he added. The Senate formally opened the second regular session, with 21 senators present. —VAL, GMA News