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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Baka bombahin': House on heightened alert due to bomb threat 

'Baka bombahin': House on heightened alert due to bomb threat 

Published Feb 5, 2024 03:05 am

At A Glance

  • Security personnel at the House of Representatives have been placed on "heightened alert" after receiving a "bomb threat". 

Screenshot_20210722-151507_Chrome.jpgHouse of Representatives (MANILA BULLETIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Security personnel at the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon City have been placed on "heightened alert" after receiving a "bomb threat". 

This was confirmed on Monday morning, Feb. 5 by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco following the flag-raising ceremony. 

"Well I cannot reveal the names of those who have received threats, but some members (congressmen) have received [recent] threats," Velasco told House reporters. 

"Basta sinasabi lang na baka bombahin tong House of Representatives. 

(The threats indicate that the House of Representatives could be bombed.) 

"But as I've said, we take all these threats seriously. Kaya (That's why) we have taken special precaution ngayon," Velasco said.

A security guard at the House said they were placed on heightened alert. Asked for confirmation, Velasco said: "Wala pa akong inissue na memo pero (I have not issued any memo but) on their own, the security has been tightened, so we just want to protect the members of the House of Representatives, and staff and employees of the House from any untoward incidents." 

"So I have talked with sergeants at arms and I told him to impose strict security to all those who are entering the premises, particularly the non-members of the House and who are not employees of this institution," he said. 

 

SONA-level security

The House official described the current security set-up as akin to preparations for the State of the Nation Address (SONA), or the President’s annual speech at Batasan. 

On Monday morning, all types of vehicles entering House premises were made to undergo inspection by the K-9 unit. Normally, only vehicles of non-members and taxis are made to undergo this additional security check. 

A police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit was also spotted within Batasan complex.

Asked to expound on the threat that they received, Velasco said: "There are threats being received by members of Congress, by employees, by staff from groups." 

"Well I cannot reveal the names of those who have received threats, but some members have received [recent] threats," he said, although he noted that Speaker Martin Romualdez wasn't among those who received the threats. 

"We have witnessed some motorcycles going around. May report sakin ang security (The security personnel reported to me), there were some motorcycles going around the premises," added Velasco, the highest-ranked civilian official in the House. 

He said the House received "more than one" threat, with the first one received sometime in January.

 

Related Tags

heightened alert House of Representatives Bomb threat
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