Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday, June 9 warned there is a growing frustation within the armed services that could pose a risk if unscrupulous and power-hungry destablizers will exploit it.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (OS Lacson)

Lacson, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, cited “sketchy and raw” information reaching him indicating that the potential threat stemmed from the power play in the Senate, as well as the flood control anomalies, inflation and rising oil prices, among others.

“As per information, though still sketchy and raw, the level of frustration within the armed services has reached up to battalion and regional levels,” Lacson said.

But he said those within the armed services are closely monitoring the developments in the ongoing crisis at the national level, which he said are brought about by both internal and external factors.

The senator these people nevertheless know from history that no coup attempts without civilian support have succeeded.

As such, those in the armed services who are “quietly” expressing their frustrations “are monitoring developments in this regard.”

“The danger is, if some unscrupulous and power-hungry destabilizers among some aligned political groups would take advantage by fanning the flame of discontent, rightly or wrongly, which could trigger widespread mass movements and protests,” Lacson said.

Earlier, Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag informed concerned sectors that there is a potential threat to the Senate building and premises.

As such, Gatchalian announced a remote work set-up for Senate employees starting from June 10 to June 11 to pave way for a security assessment within the premises of the Upper Chamber’s building.

In releasing the memorandum, Gatchalian cited the importance of ensuring the security and safety of all senators and Senate employees.