The Philippine National Police placed its forces on full alert status Wednesday night following the reported shooting incident inside the Senate complex in Pasay City.
In a statement, the PNP said security monitoring and police presence around the Senate were immediately intensified after authorities received reports of gunfire within the premises.
“Based on reports from personnel on the ground, security monitoring and police presence in the vicinity of the Senate premises were intensified this evening following a reported incident currently subject to verification,” the PNP said.
The full alert status took effect at 8:30 p.m. as part of heightened security measures aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining order while authorities assessed the situation.
“PNP personnel remain deployed in the area to maintain peace and order while assessment and coordination continue,” the statement added.
The PNP also confirmed the deployment of around 1,500 police personnel around the Senate complex as tensions escalated following the incident.
“More or less 1,500 PNP personnel remain deployed in the Senate area to ensure security while verification and assessment are ongoing regarding the alleged shot(s) fired incident within the Senate premises,” the PNP Public Information Office said.
Authorities have yet to officially determine who fired the shots or what triggered the commotion inside the Senate.
The incident occurred amid heightened political tensions surrounding Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who is currently under Senate “protective custody” following reports of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines clarified that the Marine personnel seen inside the Senate before the incident were part of the regular security contingent assigned to assist the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
“The soldiers seen inside the building were called by the OSAA to assist them in securing the facility,” the AFP said.
The military added that the personnel came from the Marine Security and Escort Group, which regularly provides perimeter security for key government facilities and installations.