Navy applicant found dead at new Senate building — police

An applicant of the Philippine Navy was found dead inside the new Senate building site on Thursday evening, the Taguig City police said on Friday.

Based on a police report, the deceased was a 23-year-old man from Maguindanao del Sur who stayed at the Naval Intelligence and Security Force in Fort Bonifacio.

A witness, who was also staying at the same Navy facility, said that he saw the victim enter the new Senate building through Gate 1 of the construction site at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Security guards, who were purportedly alerted by the witness, found the victim lying on the ground hours later.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the Taguig City police.

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero has ordered a probe on the incident and a review of the security protocols at the construction site, Senate spokesperson Atty. Arnel Jose Bañas said in a statement.

"It is with deep sorrow and concern that we confirm the tragic incident that occurred last night involving an individual who fell from the construction site of the Senate building along Chino Roces Ave. Extension, Brgy. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City," Bañas said.

He added, "We have instructed security to recheck and tighten control of all entrance and exit points as well as the facade barriers to prevent unauthorized entry and loitering."

Citing reports from the onsite security team and the Southern Police District, Bañas said the victim "slipped into the construction area" at around 9 p.m., not 7 p.m. as the Taguig police reported.

The victim was found at the north tower area, Bañas said, at around 10 p.m.

"The Senate is taking this matter very seriously. We extend our full support to the on-going investigation to find out the actual circumstances surrounding this tragic incident," said Bañas, who also extended condolences to victim's family and friends.

In a separate statement, the Philippine Navy said the victim was a member of its civilian kitchen staff.

"The deceased was a working staff of one of the dining facilities inside BNS (Bonifacio Naval Station) and was in the process of applying to become a member of the Philippine Navy," Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said.

Alcos said the Philippine Navy was also conducting its own investigation on what happened.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The Philippine Navy is ready to assist all those affected by this tragic event and will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies during the conduct of the investigation," Alcos said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News