The Philippine National Police (PNP), under Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., is finalizing security preparations ahead of the expected start of the Senate impeachment trial.
In addition to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), PNP chief Nartatez said other police units may be deployed to strengthen peace and order measures outside the Senate, ensuring sufficient manpower for security rotations.
“We in the PNP are aware that this could be an emotionally-charged situation from both sides of the political fence. 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,” said PGEN Nartatez.
Police presence around the Senate has been maintained since May 11, with additional personnel deployed as political developments intensified in recent weeks.
Nartatez said the PNP will continue close coordination with the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure a unified security framework inside and outside the Senate premises, in line with instructions from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. through the guidance of Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, prioritizing peace, order, and rule of law.
He added that police personnel will remain off-limits inside the Senate unless required for emergency or untoward incidents.
Similar coordination mechanisms will also be established with the House of Representatives Sergeant-at-Arms to provide security support for members acting as prosecutors.
Nartatez said the same arrangements will be extended to coordination with private legal teams from both the prosecution and defense sides.
“Your PNP has done this before, and the security measures implemented before will be useful in mapping out plans to secure everybody,” he said.
“We will continue fine-tuning our security measures that include regular and real-time adjustments so that our personnel will always be prepared for all worst-case scenarios,” he added.