Senate Security Heightened Amid IED Discovery and Theft Incidents

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has intensified security around the Senate while investigation continues into the discovery of an improvised explosive device or IED and the burglary incident last week. NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said authorities have yet to identify any suspects in the IED case. “We are continuing a joint investigation with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Scene of the Crime Operatives and intelligence units to determine the circumstances and identify those responsible. At this point, we cannot disclose any official information about the suspects or persons of interest while evidence is still being validated,” Asilo said in an interview over dzRH yesterday. Asilo refused to confirm reports that the bomb found on July 27 in front of the Senate complex along J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay was intended merely to intimidate. “We want to avoid drawing premature conclusions while forensic and intelligence assessments are still being completed, to ensure an objective investigation,” she said. Asilo said police are also taking seriously the theft from a news outlet at the Senate compound on July 29. She said police have recovered stolen items, including a printer, a television set and internet equipment, and have identified several suspects. One person has been arrested for obstruction of justice. A manhunt is underway for the remaining suspects. Meanwhile, amid the ongoing Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Asilo said the NCRPO has increased police visibility, intensified checkpoints and strengthened coordination with the Police Security and Protection Group and other law enforcement units. She said security deployments and strategies are being reviewed daily, based on threat assessments to ensure public safety and prevent security breaches around the Senate complex.