Security threat at Senate being linked to 18 Co ex-bodyguards 'very alarming', Palace says
Senate of the Philippines
The possibility that the alleged security threat at the Senate may be linked to the 18 former bodyguards of ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co is "very alarming," Malacañang said.
"Of course, very alarming, very concerning," Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a briefing on Thursday, June 11.
Castro alleged that there is no other motive behind the potential armed threat than to destabilize the administration.
"Kung babasahin ninyo at titingnan ninyo ang kuwento ng 18 maleta boys ay butas-butas, walang pinanggagalingan, walang basehan, ano pa ba ang motibo dito (If you read and look at the story of the 18 'maleta boys,' it’s full of holes, baseless, and has no foundation, what motive could there possibly be behind this)?" Castro said.
Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday, June 10, said intelligence information received by the Senate indicated that a possible armed group could attempt to disrupt activities at the chamber.
In an interview on Thursday, Gatchalian revealed that according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the security threat "might be connected to them," referring to the 18 former bodyguards of Co.
The possible armed attack has prompted the Senate to implement heightened security measures and a temporary work-from-home arrangement for employees.