Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday cautioned the public against spreading misinformation and engaging in online incitement that could trigger violence or undermine public order as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte begins. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), intelligence units and all Police Regional Offices to strengthen monitoring of online activities that may incite violence, target government institutions, or threaten public officials in connection with the impeachment proceedings.
According to Philippines News Agency, 'Disinformation that seeks to incite violence or undermine our democratic institutions is a direct threat to public safety. The PNP is utilizing 24/7 cyber patrolling to identify and neutralize malicious narratives intended to deceive the public,' Nartatez said. The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is opening the trial of Vice President Duterte Monday afternoon. The PNP deployed around 6,000 police personnel around the Senate complex and other key areas to secure the proceedings and manage anticipated public demonstrations.
Nartatez said intelligence monitoring has also been intensified to detect online calls for violence, attacks against government institutions and threats directed at public officials involved in the impeachment process. The PNP instructed local police commanders to promptly validate and address viral false information that could create panic or provoke disorder in their respective areas of responsibility.
'We urge the public to be discerning. Before sharing any information regarding these proceedings, verify it through official channels to avoid becoming a tool for those who wish to disrupt the rule of law,' Nartatez noted. Meanwhile, he underscored that the PNP will remain politically neutral throughout the impeachment proceedings and will focus solely on maintaining peace, protecting democratic institutions and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Meanwhile, Nartatez said the PNP remains vigilant even as there are no monitored security threats that could affect the proceedings. 'At this stage, we have not monitored any credible threats or untoward incidents that would disrupt the impeachment trial. We remain vigilant and are continuously conducting threat assessments. Our intelligence units are operating around the clock to ensure that any potential security gaps are identified and addressed immediately,' he said. He said the police will remain on heightened alert and will implement their comprehensive security plan throughout the proceedings.
'The premises or the activities that needed to be secured are, of course, No. 1 is the Senate, which is the seat or the venue of the conduct of impeachment proceedings. Aside from the impeachment proceedings, meron pang (there is also) process to ensure that the legal process, the corresponding prosecution or pag-uusig at ang paglilitis (persecution and the trial), these are the various courts,' said Nartatez. The deployment, he noted, is supported by continuous intelligence monitoring, regular threat assessments, and close coordination with the Senate and other government agencies.
Nartatez also instructed deployed personnel to exercise maximum tolerance and professionalism while respecting the constitutional rights of all individuals who may gather near the Senate. 'We respect the right of every citizen to express their views. We urge the public to remain peaceful and law-abiding. Our officers are deployed to protect the integrity of the institution and the safety of everyone present. We call on all groups to cooperate with our personnel and ensure that this historic process proceeds without violence or obstruction,' he said.
