Senators on Thursday called for a thorough investigation and stronger security measures following the reported exchange of gunfire inside the Senate building on Wednesday night that raised concerns over the safety of lawmakers, employees, and media personnel.

Senator Robinhood Padilla called for the modernization of Senate security systems and the strengthening of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) following the incident.

Padilla said the incident highlighted the need to upgrade surveillance and monitoring systems, enhance perimeter and access control security, and improve inter-agency coordination protocols.

“The Senate is a co-equal constitutional branch of government. Any operation or activity involving Senate premises must always observe proper coordination, due process, and institutional respect,” Padilla said.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri condemned the incident and appealed to authorities to determine how the perpetrators were able to flee.

“I strongly condemn what happened last night at the Senate and appeal to the PNP (Philippine National Police) to piece together what had happened. Who are the perpetrators and how were they able to get away,” Zubiri said.

Senator Erwin Tulfo described the incident as a threat to the dignity and integrity of the Senate as a democratic institution.

“Hindi po ito isang simpleng insidente lamang–isa itong banta sa dangal ng mataas na kapulungan na dapat ay pumoprotekta sa mga Pilipino (This is not a simple incident—it is a threat to the dignity of the institution that is supposed to protect Filipinos),” Tulfo said in a statement.

He said the gunfire placed many people at risk, including Senate employees and members of the media covering developments at the complex.

“We urge all government agencies to ensure the safety of everyone and carry out their mandate according to the rule of law,” he added.

Initial reports indicated that the incident stemmed from an alleged attempt to gain access to Senate premises through an adjacent building, prompting a security response from forces assigned to protect the Senate complex. (PNA)