Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday that it is completing the necessary security measures as the Senate prepares to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that in addition to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), several police units may be involved to enhance peace and order outside the Senate. This is to ensure sufficient manpower for regular security rotations.

Gen. Nartatez emphasized the sensitivity of the situation, acknowledging that it could be emotionally charged. "Our goal is to ensure that this will not lead to an incident that threatens not only their safety but also the peace and order," he remarked in a statement.

Since May 11, police personnel have been securing the Senate premises, with additional officers deployed as political tensions surrounding the impeachment proceedings have intensified. The PNP aims to maintain cooperation with the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms for unified security measures within and outside the Senate.

Police personnel are instructed to remain outside the Senate unless summoned for untoward incidents or emergencies. Coordination will also extend to the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives to protect House members who will serve as prosecutors in the trial.

Furthermore, security assistance will be proposed and coordinated with the private lawyers of both the prosecution and defense teams. Gen. Nartatez assured that security measures are regularly fine-tuned, including real-time adjustments, to prepare for all worst-case scenarios.