We condemn in the strongest terms this apparent attempt to sow fear near the Senate on the very day our institutions gather for the State of the Nation Address.

No such act of intimidation will distract the Senate from its work for the Filipino people.

I have directed the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to coordinate fully with the Philippine National Police and its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, which has already responded to the area. I thank them for their swift action, and I am relieved that no one was hurt.

I am calling on the PNP and all concerned authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into this incident — to determine who is responsible and what they intended to achieve. The perpetrators must be identified and held accountable under the law.

We appeal to the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities.”
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Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN