By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Despite the suspension of Senate operations in observance of Independence Day, heightened security measures remained in place Thursday around the Senate complex along Jose W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City.
Hundreds of police personnel from various units of the National Capital Region Police Office continued to secure the area, including members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams and K-9 units.
Concrete barriers and barbed wire fences remained positioned around key sections of the Senate compound as part of ongoing security protocols. Authorities also closed a portion of the northbound lane of Jose W. Diokno Boulevard beginning at its intersection with Seaside Boulevard to restrict vehicle access near the area.
As of Thursday, the situation remained peaceful and orderly, with no protest groups or organized activities observed outside the Senate premises. The only visible gathering consisted of several supporters of the Duterte family, who have been maintaining a camp near the area for nearly a month.
The NCRPO earlier said that while there is no verified threat against the Senate at present, security forces remain under full alert status and are prepared to deploy additional personnel if circumstances require.
Authorities have not announced how long the enhanced security measures will remain in effect.
ia/xf
