A senior legislator has downplayed concerns that the so-called “18 maleta boys” could be used to destabilize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), saying the country’s security institutions remain professional and loyal to constitutional authority.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said in an interview on Sunday that while reports of a possible security threat to the Senate are being validated by intelligence units, heightened security measures have already helped contain the situation.
The senator noted that authorities are still verifying information linked to the alleged group, which was earlier flagged by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag as possibly connected to the so-called “18 maleta boys.”
The legislator questioned the presence of the group at recent Senate proceedings, saying they did not appear to participate in hearings but instead held a press conference elsewhere in the chamber complex.
He also pointed to reports that supporters of the group allegedly confronted Senate security personnel while attempting to enter restricted areas.
“For what purpose were they brought in if they were not attending the hearing?” he said, adding that their actions appeared “questionable” based on his assessment.
Despite these concerns, he noted that any attempt to use the group to trigger instability or influence the AFP and PNP would likely fail, noting that the military and police have already distanced themselves from the individuals involved.
He said several of those identified were previously discharged from service and are no longer recognized by uniformed institutions.
“The AFP and our uniformed services do not sympathize with them,” Lacson said, adding that attempts to provoke institutional backlash against the government would not succeed.
He also stressed that the AFP and PNP remain professional institutions that follow lawful orders and respect constitutional processes.
The Senate earlier placed its offices under heightened security following reported threats, prompting temporary remote work arrangements. Authorities have since eased restrictions after determining that the situation has stabilized.