Security measures tight at Batasang Pambansa for SONA 2017

The security measures at the Batasang Pambansa complex for President Rodrigo Duterte's second State of the Nation Address on Monday have been tightened.

"Medyo pinaigting natin ang security measures natin ngayon," said Lieutenant General Ronald Detabali, sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, in an interview with Rhea Santos on Unang Balita on Monday.

At the North Wing lobby entrance on Monday morning, every person coming in has to go through a scanner and have all bags go through an X-ray machine.

Detabali said the stricter security was implemented to prevent any untoward incident arising from those who are against the President.

"Inaasahan natin na sa pangako ni Presidente ng pagbabago, marami siyang nasagasaan sa paggawa ng tama—mga sindikato, 'yung mga terorista, mga criminals na maaaring galit sa kanyang administrasyon, gumanti," Detabali said.

"Dito sa loob ng House of Representatives complex, marami pong inspection na ginagawa, hindi lang sa equipment, kundi mga taong pumapasok, mga gamit especially kahit na 'yung pagkain," he said.

"Alam natin na ang pagsabotahe ng isang activity, hindi lang nakukuha sa pagbobomba; pwedeng maging mechanical o chemical," Detabali added.

He confirmed that even food has to be tasted first before this is to be served. "Lahat po 'yon ginagawa natin. Hindi natin palalagpasin kahit ano ang mangyari," the sergeant-at-arms said.

Those who will attend the SONA were advised to observe rules such as no bringing in of water, and turning cellphones off.

They were also advised to present their invitations at the entrance.

"Siyempre regulated lahat ng papasok. 'Yung mga imbitado lang papasok sa plenary hall," Detabali said.

He added that Duterte may arrive either by air (helicopter) or by land.

"Nagpe-prepare kami kahit anong maging option. Ang malaking tulong dito sa amin ang Presidential Security Group dahil ang primary responsibility nila ang safety ng ating Presidente," he said.

"Pero dito nga sa okasyon na ito, may mga other officials of government at diplomatic corps na nandidito kaya maraming poprotektahan," Detabali said.

He added that the PSG is securing the gate to be used by the President. 

All other gates are being manned by personnel from the House of Representatives and the Philippine National Police. —KG, GMA News