Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday ordered tighter security at the Senate and a full investigation after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was found about 150 meters from the gate.

The suspicious package was discovered near the rear tire of a towing truck outside the Senate premises in Pasay City, hours before officials leave for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this apparent attempt to sow fear near the Senate,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

He said the incident would not distract senators from performing their duties, adding that “no such act of intimidation” would derail the chamber’s work for the Filipino people.

Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) chief Alfred Corpus said towing personnel initially opened what appeared to be a small box and found an object containing wires and batteries.

Senate police officers patrolling the area later inspected the package and alerted their superiors, prompting the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to respond.

Corpus said authorities found a battery, clamp, plastic cup and brown powder, leading investigators to initially treat the object as a suspected IED.

“The package is with SOCO right now to determine if it is really an IED,” Corpus told reporters, referring to the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives.

Gatchalian said he directed the OSAA to fully coordinate with the PNP and its EOD unit, which had already secured the area.

He thanked responding personnel for their swift action and expressed relief that no one was injured.

The Senate President also asked authorities to conduct a “thorough, impartial investigation” to identify those responsible and determine their motive.

“The perpetrators must be identified and held accountable under the law,” he said.

Corpus said additional security personnel would be deployed around the Senate grounds, while inspections of people entering the premises would be intensified.

The tighter measures would cover both the interior and surrounding areas of the Senate complex and remain in place pending the official findings of investigators.

Gatchalian appealed to the public to remain calm and vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities to authorities. (PNA)