The Philippine National Police has reinforced security around the Senate complex in Pasay City after protesters allegedly mobbed and attacked the vehicle of former Senate President Vicente Sotto III amid tensions surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issue involving Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said additional security personnel and stricter crowd-control measures were immediately deployed following Wednesday night’s incident.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Senator Tito Sotto. The Philippine National Police maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence or harassment, especially against our public servants,” Nartatez said.
According to reports, Sotto was leaving the Senate premises without bodyguards when a group of protesters allegedly surrounded his vehicle, banged on its windows, threw bottles, and shouted insults.
The protest stemmed from heightened political tensions linked to the reported move to arrest dela Rosa following the issuance of an ICC warrant connected to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Nartatez said the PNP is now reviewing CCTV footage, body camera recordings, and field reports to determine exactly what transpired and whether criminal charges may be filed.
He added that authorities are identifying individuals who may have crossed the line from peaceful protest to acts of harassment, intimidation, or property damage.
“While we respect the right to peaceful assembly, the transition from a protest to an assault on a vehicle is a criminal act. We assure the senator and the public that this incident will not be taken lightly,” Nartatez said.
The PNP has also begun coordinating with Senate security officials to strengthen crowd management measures and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Nartatez said he directed the National Capital Region Police Office to immediately deploy additional Civil Disturbance Management personnel around Senate gates and nearby areas.
“I directed our troops on the ground to move from maximum tolerance to swift enforcement the moment protesters obstruct vehicles,” he said.
The PNP chief stressed that the reinforced security measures are intended to protect senators, Senate personnel, and civilians while still respecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.