Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified intelligence monitoring and security preparations to help ensure that the Senate impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte will proceed in a peaceful, orderly, and secure environment. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that the organization has directed its intelligence and operational units to closely monitor the security situation and conduct regular threat assessments ahead of the trial's start on July 6.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Nartatez stated that, as of now, the PNP has not identified any specific or credible threat directly related to the impeachment proceedings. Nonetheless, the PNP is maintaining heightened monitoring and close coordination with its intelligence and operational units to address any emerging concerns promptly. The Senate has announced that the impeachment trial will be open to the public and broadcast live, prompting the PNP to review security measures and contingency plans to ensure peace and order while safeguarding constitutional rights.
Gen. Nartatez emphasized that the PNP is ready to provide security assistance once formally requested by the Senate. He affirmed, 'We have existing protocols for securing major government events and are prepared to coordinate closely with the Senate and other concerned agencies to conduct the proceedings safely, peacefully, and without disruption.' The PNP has placed intelligence units on heightened alert for potential security threats, including possible extremist activities, public disturbances, and misinformation campaigns that could incite violence.
Police commanders have been instructed to conduct regular security assessments before each major hearing, allowing for adjustments in deployments based on the prevailing threat environment. 'We encourage everyone to remain calm, respect the rule of law, and exercise their rights responsibly and peacefully,' said Nartatez, reiterating the PNP's commitment to remaining impartial and protecting both public safety and constitutional freedoms.
In related developments, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co announced that the law enforcement agency would arrest Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa if he resurfaces for the impeachment trial. 'We are mandated to effect the arrest of Senator Bato. If he will be appearing therein, our police force will arrest him,' Co stated during a press briefing at Camp Crame. The PNP plans to deploy an appropriate number of personnel to ensure the peaceful conduct of the impeachment trial and has closely coordinated with the Senate and other government agencies to prevent disruptions.
Additionally, some personnel from the PNP Police Security and Protection Group are already detailed with the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms as part of their regular deployment, ensuring comprehensive security coverage throughout the trial.
