SENATE President Francis Escudero on Friday ordered an investigation on a man who fell to his death at the New Senate Building in Taguig City the previous day.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy said that they are also conducting they own investigation on the incident.
Escudero also sought an immediate review of security protocols at the construction site following the incident.
Senate spokesperson Arnel Banas said Escudero also tasked the probers to recheck and tighten all security measures in the entry and exit points of the building, as well as the façade to prevent unauthorized access in the area.
“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,” Banas added.
Reports from the security on-site and the Southern Police District (SPD) said the victim, who died on the spot, hastily entered the construction site at around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 25. There were workers on overtime duties at the time.
The man, who was reported to be an aspiring Navy cadet, was chased by his companion and security guards but failed to catch him. Security teams conducted a search and reviewed CCTV cameras, but did not find the victim.
At around 10:00 p.m., the victim fell and hit the ground from the north tower of the NSB. The floor where he came from was not immediately established. The identity of the victim was withheld pending notification of his relatives.
Operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and elements of the Philippine Navy responded to the site. Members of the PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) removed the body from the NSB at 1:15 a.m.
Navy spokesman Commander John Percie Alcos said the victims was a working staff in one of the kitchen facilities at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig and was applying to become a regular member of the Navy.
“The Philippine Navy regrets to report a tragic incident involving the death of one of our civilian kitchen staff which occurred at the New Senate Building near Bonifacio Naval Station, Taguig City on the evening of July 25.” Alcos said.
He said the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) arrived at the scene at midnight to begin their investigation.
“The Philippine Navy is also conducting a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.” He added.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “Aspiring Navy cadet falls to his death at New Senate Building.”
