Philippine Senate locked down after gunshots fired
The Philippine Senate enacted a sudden lockdown after gunshots were heard inside the building. Police teams moved into the site and evacuated the building. Authorities said there were no injuries or fatalities.
The Philippine Senate enacted a sudden lockdown in the afternoon, local time, after gunshots were heard at its building in the capital Manila. Senate security units directed members and staff to safe rooms while the building's main entrances were closed; reporters who were inside the building were evacuated.
Manila police arrived on the scene quickly, evacuated the building and carried out a thorough search. A police spokesperson said the incident might have been caused by the accidental discharge of a firearm, but added that investigations were continuing. Authorities confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities.
The Senate President invited the public to remain calm, describing the event as 'an isolated incident' and saying security protocols would be reviewed. The Philippine Interior Ministry announced that all entry procedures at parliamentary buildings would be reassessed in the coming days. Senate sessions are expected to resume on schedule tomorrow.
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