Aerial image of the new Senate building construction site, June 2024. Courtesy: DPWH
A Philippine Navy applicant was discovered dead at the construction site of the new Senate building in Taguig City on Thursday evening, according to Taguig City police.
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The 23-year-old deceased, hailing from Maguindanao del Sur, was residing at the Naval Intelligence and Security Force in Fort Bonifacio. A witness, also staying at the same Navy facility, reported seeing the victim enter the new Senate building through Gate 1 at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Security guards, alerted by the witness, later found the victim lying on the ground.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the Taguig City police.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has mandated a probe into the incident and a review of the security protocols at the construction site, Senate spokesperson Atty. Arnel Jose Bañas stated.
“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 mentioned the victim “slipped into the construction area” at around 9 p.m., not 7 p.m. as initially reported by the Taguig police. The victim was found at the north tower area around 10 p.m.
“The Senate is taking this matter very seriously. We extend our full support to the ongoing investigation to find out the actual circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” said Bañas, extending condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
In a separate statement, the Philippine Navy identified the victim as 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 added that the Philippine Navy is also conducting its own investigation into the incident.
“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 stated.